STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1410

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 497

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 497, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish a task force to examine the illegal import of fireworks and contraband into Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Public Safety; Hawai‘i State Fire Council; County of Hawai‘i Fire Department; County of Kaua‘i Fire Department; County of Maui Fire Department; City and County of Honolulu Police Department; City and County of Honolulu Fire Department; American Promotional Events, Inc.; and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Ho‘omanapono Political Action Committee. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Your Committee finds that the use of consumer fireworks causes fires and burn injuries, including to children. Fireworks produce excessive smoke that makes breathing difficult. Loud fireworks noises traumatize many residents, including war veterans, and pets. Your Committee further finds that with the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies can be strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that the Legislative Reference Bureau will only assist with finalizing the task force's report and drafting legislation; and

(2) Requiring the task force to submit its draft report to the Legislative Reference Bureau no later than September 1, 2019.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 497, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 497, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

________________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair