Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 301, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to allow the use of fireworks for cultural reasons.

Specifically, this bill allows non-aerial common fireworks from 7:00 a.m. Chinese New Year's Eve to 7:00 p.m. Chinese New Year's Day with a permit, while setting mandatory minimum penalties for certain violations.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's many cultures, which include a goodly number of residents from Asian countries, use fireworks for a variety of cultural events, including celebrations during Chinese New Year. Fireworks are used as a cultural expression of happiness and good spirits and are essential to these celebrations. The emphasis is on non-aerial fireworks of the common variety often heard at weddings or grand openings of new businesses. Therefore, your Committee finds that use under these conditions is conducive to the promotion of cultural diversity in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 301, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.