STAND. COM. REP. NO. 574

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 670

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 S.B. No. 670 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the maximum fine that may be assessed per fireworks-related violation from $2,000 to $5,000 if the fireworks violation does not otherwise have a specific penalty enumerated in chapter 132D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Poi Dogs and Popoki and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that the unlawful use of aerial fireworks during celebrations causes significant public disruption and concern. Your Committee further finds that the increasing unlawful use of fireworks demonstrates that existing penalties for unlawful use are not sufficient deterrents. This measure will create a stronger deterrent by increasing the maximum fines associated with illegal fireworks.

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 S.B. No. 670 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

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

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CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair