Bill > SB192

This bill requires county police departments in Hawaii to purchase and deploy explosion detection technology, such as ShotSpotter, to help locate and respond to illegal gunfire and fireworks incidents. The legislation aims to improve public safety by enabling law enforcement to quickly identify the precise location of explosions, which can help reduce response times and potentially aid wounded victims. The bill mandates that police departments not only acquire the technology but also provide appropriate training to officers in its use. To support this initiative, the state will appropriate grant-in-aid funding to each county (Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and Honolulu) for the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, though the specific dollar amounts are not specified in the bill text. The legislature cites evidence from other cities showing that such technology can increase gunshot reporting, decrease dispatch times, improve victim transport, and more accurately identify crime scenes. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and reflects a proactive approach to addressing public safety concerns related to illegal firearms and fireworks use.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=192&year=2026