Bill > HB55

This bill aims to strengthen penalties for fireworks-related offenses in Hawaii by converting certain violations from misdemeanors to class C felonies, in response to a devastating fireworks incident on December 31, 2024, in Aliamanu, Oahu, which resulted in four deaths and dozens of injuries. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 132D-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to make it a class C felony to: import aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic without a valid license; purchase, possess, set off, ignite, or discharge such devices without a valid permit; store, sell, or possess these devices without a license; transfer or sell fireworks to someone without a valid permit; or remove and repurpose pyrotechnic contents from fireworks. Previously, some of these offenses were treated as misdemeanors, with penalties varying based on the weight of the fireworks, but now all will be classified as class C felonies. The bill is designed to deter the illegal use of fireworks and protect public safety by imposing more severe legal consequences for violations.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=55&year=2025