STAND. COM. REP. NO. 983

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 1483

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1483, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish an adjudication system and procedures to process fireworks infractions;

(2) Amend and establish various definitions and penalties for fireworks offenses, including establishing heightened penalties under certain circumstances;

(3) Establish various criminal offenses and penalties related to fireworks or articles pyrotechnics; and

(4) Appropriate funds to the Judiciary to implement this measure.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Honolulu Police Department; Hawaiian Humane Society; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; Libertarian Party of Hawaii; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Phantom Fireworks; TNT Fireworks; and Hawaii Explosives & Pyrotechnics, Inc.

Your Committee notes the suggested amendments from the Department of the Attorney General in its written testimony to clarify that those holding fireworks permits or licenses may continue to use their permits or licenses and to clarify which law enforcement officers may be designated as administrative inspectors. Your Committee further notes the concerns of the Office of the Public Defender regarding the concurrent trial provision in this measure and the office's assertion that it is the lack of enforcement, rather than the lack or severity of penalties, that has resulted in the low number of charges brought under existing fireworks control laws.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1483, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair