HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	497
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the use of consumer fireworks causes fires and burn injuries, mostly to children.  Fireworks produce excessive smoke that makes breathing difficult.  Loud fireworks noises traumatize many residents, including war veterans, as well as pets.  With the increase in fireworks-related calls, public safety agencies are strained to maintain adequate response levels for other critical emergencies.  The legislature further finds that people in the State and their communities deserve to live in peace and security, without the public safety risk and disruptive impact of consumer fireworks.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to examine the illegal import of fireworks and contraband into Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established an illegal imports task force within the department of the attorney general for administrative purposes only. The task force shall review and make recommendations to stop the importation of illegal fireworks and other contraband into Hawaii and develop a strategy to ensure the safety and security of the State and against the discharge of illegal fireworks and explosives.

     (b)  The members of the illegal imports task force shall be the following persons or their designee:

     (1)  The chairperson of the senate standing committee on judiciary, who shall serve as co-chair of the task force;

     (2)  The chairperson of the house of representatives standing committee on judiciary, who shall serve as co-chair of the task force;

     (3)  The chairperson of the senate standing committee on public safety;

     (4)  The chairperson of the house of representatives standing committee on public safety;

     (5)  The attorney general;

     (6)  The director of public safety;

     (7)  The chair of the state fire council;

     (8)  The chief of police of the police departments of the city and county of Honolulu, county of Maui, county of Hawaii, and county of Kauai; and

     (9)  Two representatives of the fireworks industry, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.

     (c)  The co-chairs of the illegal imports task force may invite representatives from the following organizations to participate on the task force:

     (1)  Federal Bureau of Investigation;

     (2)  United States Drug Enforcement Agency;

     (3)  Department of Homeland Security;

     (4)  Department of Defense;

     (5)  Consumer Product Safety Commission;

     (6)  Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives;

     (7)  United States Customs and Border Protection; and

     (8)  Other interested parties.

     (d)  The legislative reference bureau shall assist the illegal imports task force with the drafting of its final report and any recommended legislation.

     (e)  The illegal imports task force shall report to the legislature its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than thirty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2021.

     (f)  The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2021.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

Report Title:

State Fire Council Package; Fireworks; Task Force

 

Description:

Establishes a task force to examine the illegal import of fireworks and contraband into Hawaii.  (HB497 HD1)

 

 

 

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