Bill > HB83

This bill aims to significantly increase penalties for illegal fireworks-related activities in Hawaii, escalating the severity of criminal charges for various offenses. Specifically, the legislation modifies existing law to upgrade penalties from class C to class B felonies for first-time offenses involving importing, possessing, or selling fireworks without proper permits, with subsequent violations becoming class A felonies. The bill covers a range of prohibited activities, including importing aerial devices, possessing fireworks without permits, selling to unauthorized individuals, and removing pyrotechnic contents from fireworks. Weight-based distinctions are maintained, with different penalty levels for fireworks weighing more or less than twenty-five pounds. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement and county fire departments to improve investigation and enforcement efforts against illegal fireworks, allocating specific amounts to each county. The motivation behind these changes is to create more substantial deterrents against illegal fireworks use, addressing public safety concerns such as potential physical injuries, property damage, and community disruption. The new penalties and enforcement measures are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with provisions ensuring that existing legal proceedings and penalties prior to this date remain unaffected.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=83&year=2026