STAND. COM. REP. NO. 572

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1305

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1305 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Allow law enforcement agencies to safely dispose of confiscated fireworks except for a sample that is to be retained for evidentiary purposes;

(2) Authorize the court to establish a step-up fine based on the amount of fireworks confiscated and to impose a disposal fine to reimburse law enforcement agencies for the costs of safely disposing of confiscated fireworks;

(3) Establish that each type of fireworks unlawfully imported, purchased, possessed, ignited, or discharged constitutes a separate offense; and

(4) Appropriate funds to the Honolulu Police Department for a secure container in which to store confiscated fireworks.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Fire Council, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, Hawai‘i Fire Department of the County of Hawai‘i, Maui Fire Department, Kaua‘i Fire Department, Poi Dogs and Popoki, and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that the use of unlawful fireworks outside of appropriate times and contexts is a widespread public health and safety hazard. Your Committee further finds that existing restrictions on illegal fireworks are not sufficient to control the improper use of these devices. Your Committee additionally finds that the storage of confiscated fireworks is extremely dangerous and must be done under strict protocols. This measure will strengthen the penalties for the unlawful use of fireworks and provide law enforcement with the resources to safely store and dispose of confiscated fireworks.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1305 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

________________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair