Bill > SB227

This bill establishes an Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement to address the persistent problem of illegal fireworks usage that endangers public safety, property, and the environment. Building on a previous task force's recommendations from Act 67 in 2023, the division will develop a comprehensive strategic plan to stop the importation and distribution of illegal fireworks, promote compliance with fireworks control laws, and protect critical infrastructure. The bill appropriates funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the division's operations, including reimbursing law enforcement agencies for related expenses. The division will be led by an administrator and will have positions for a division administrator, state law enforcement investigators, and a clerk, all of which will be exempt from standard state employment regulations. The positions and division are set to be established on July 1, 3000, and will remain in effect until June 30, 2028, with the goal of reducing illegal fireworks activities and improving public safety in Hawaii.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=227&year=2026