STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1831

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1483

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1483, H.D. 1, S.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 strengthen state fireworks laws.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Amends various definitions relating to fireworks;

(2) Increases certain penalties for fireworks offenses;

(3) Establishes various criminal offenses and penalties related to fireworks or articles pyrotechnic;

(4) Establishes processes relating to the adjudication of fireworks infractions; and

(5) Appropriates moneys.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Honolulu Police Department; Hawaii County Police Department; Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Maui; Hawaiian Humane Society; and four individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Explosives and Pyrotechnics and one individual.

Your Committee recognizes the need to reform the State's approach to enforcing fireworks laws. Your Committee believes that this measure appropriately addresses shortcomings in the current regulatory framework and establishes a sensible penalty structure that imposes just consequences based on the severity of violations.

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. 1483, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair