STAND. COM. REP. NO. 277

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 227

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 227 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement;

(2) Appropriate funds; and

(3) Sunset on June 30, 2028.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement and three individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the creation of an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement would allow for more coordinated and sustained enforcement efforts using specially trained and dedicated personnel focused specifically on illegal fireworks interdiction and investigation. This structure would enhance the Department of Law Enforcement's ability to protect local communities from the dangers of illegal fireworks through year-round enforcement and prevention efforts. Your Committee further finds that the sunset date of June 30, 2028, provides an appropriate period to assess the Division's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 227 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair