HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2269
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
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 illegal aerial devices are prevalent and an ongoing problem throughout the State. The use of illegal aerial devices in neighborhoods has substantially increased in recent years, resulting in serious injuries, property damage, and fatalities. Despite strict penalties, the drastic increase in the illegal use of aerial devices continues due to the longstanding traditions and cultural practices in the State of setting off aerial devices to mark important occasions. Therefore, it is essential that the State examine possible solutions that could potentially serve as deterrents to illegal fireworks and raise additional revenue for the State.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of commerce and consumer affairs to conduct a study on the social and economic impacts of permitting the sale of aerial devices in the State.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall conduct a study on the social and economic impacts of permitting the sale of aerial devices in the State.

(b) The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall work in collaboration with law enforcement, other state departments, other county agencies, and community groups to complete the study.

(c) In the study, the department of commerce and consumer affairs shall consider the following:

(1) The potential revenue that could be raised by imposing a tax on the sale of display fireworks, aerial devices, and articles pyrotechnic;

(2) The potential impact on consumer behavior if aerial devices were legally available for purchase by the public, including if permitting the sale and imposing a tax on the sale of aerial devices would discourage illegal firework activities;

(3) If the potential revenue raised by imposing a tax on aerial devices could be used to curb the illegal use of fireworks;

(4) If a mandatory liability insurance policy should be implemented for persons who purchase a permit for aerial devices;

(5) Policies from other states that have legalized fireworks, including which fireworks are legal and enforcement parameters for those fireworks; and

(6) Other relevant issues related to the legalization of aerial devices for public use in the State.

(d) The department of commerce and consumer affairs shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Study; Fireworks; Aerial Devices; Legalization; Taxation

Description:

Requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to conduct a study on the potential impacts of permitting the sale of aerial devices in the State.

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