Bill > HB55

This bill aims to strengthen penalties for fireworks-related offenses in Hawaii by converting several existing misdemeanor violations to class C felonies. Specifically, the bill would make it a class C felony to import, purchase, possess, set off, or sell aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic without proper licensing or permits, regardless of the quantity of fireworks involved. The legislation was prompted by a mass casualty incident on December 31, 2024, in Aliamanu, Oahu, where fireworks killed at least four people and injured dozens more. The bill eliminates the previous distinction between different weight thresholds that previously determined whether an offense was a misdemeanor or felony, and now treats most fireworks-related violations as class C felonies. This includes actions such as transferring fireworks to unauthorized persons, removing pyrotechnic contents from fireworks, and constructing fireworks-related devices. The bill does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date, and it will take effect immediately upon approval.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=55&year=2026