Bill > HB414

This bill significantly restricts the use of consumer fireworks in Hawaii, fundamentally changing existing law to permit fireworks only for cultural purposes with strict limitations. The bill redefines "consumer fireworks" and "cultural" and prohibits the general use of fireworks except through a specific permitting process. Under the new regulations, individuals can only purchase and use consumer fireworks for cultural purposes, with a mandatory $25 permit required for each cultural event. The legislation eliminates previous allowances for fireworks on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July. The bill's findings emphasize the public safety risks associated with widespread fireworks use, including fire hazards, burn injuries, excessive smoke, noise pollution, and strain on public safety resources. While the bill maintains an exception for licensed professionals to use display fireworks and aerial devices, it effectively creates a statewide limitation on consumer fireworks, restricting their use to culturally specific and permitted circumstances. The goal is to protect community safety and reduce the disruptive impact of consumer fireworks on residents, including veterans and pets.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=414&year=2025