Bill > HB607

This bill establishes a new criminal offense in Hawaii related to serious injuries or deaths caused by fireworks, specifically targeting individuals who cause serious bodily injury or death through actions described in section 132D-14(a)(2) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The legislation was prompted by a mass casualty incident in Aliamanu on December 31, 2024, where fireworks killed at least four people and injured dozens more. Under the new law, anyone who causes serious bodily injury or death through prohibited fireworks activities will be charged with a Class A felony, which is the most serious felony classification in Hawaii. The bill explicitly states that this new felony charge does not prevent additional penalties under existing fireworks laws. The legislature's intent is to create a strong deterrent against the illegal use of fireworks and to provide a significant legal consequence for actions that result in severe harm or death. The new law will take effect immediately upon approval and does not retroactively affect rights, penalties, or legal proceedings that occurred before its enactment.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=607&year=2026