Hawaii seeks stricter penalties for illegal fireworks
State officials, including Gov. Josh Green and Attorney General Anne Lopez, unveiled Monday proposed changes to Hawaii’s fireworks laws aimed at improving enforcement, enhancing penalties and simplifying legal definitions.
State legislature drafts several bills cracking down on illegal fireworks
Hawaiʻi lawmakers who hope to curb the use of illegal fireworks already have several bills drafted ahead of the start of Jan. 15’s new legislative session. The bills come after the deadly New Year’s Eve explosion in Aliamanu,
Hawaii Legislature will again focus on illegal fireworks
Legislators are expected to introduce — or reintroduce — bills aimed at intercepting shipments of illegal fireworks coming into Hawaii harbors and perhaps increasing penalties.
Proposed bill would change Hawaii's fireworks laws
Right now, lighting up illegal fireworks or possession of them, is a misdemeanor. That would change to a non-criminal civil fine, like a red light ticket, under the proposed bill. One of the current efforts to reduce illegal fireworks in Hawaii.
Illegal fireworks turned in after Hawaii tragedy: ‘It might happen to us’
Hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks were turned in to State officials today and no questions were asked to those who brought them in.
Opinion
Column: The truth about Hawaii’s illegal fireworks trade
As I write this, my heart is heavy. Heavy with sadness for the victims of the tragedy that ensued on New Year’s Eve in Aliamanu. Heavy with anger at the people who acted carelessly with explosives. Heavy with empathy for the first responders who were on scene of what looked like a war zone.
Pressure put on Hawaii lawmakers to stamp out illegal fireworks
Trying to combat illegal fireworks has been an annual tradition for Hawaii lawmakers in recent years as household use of contraband pyrotechnics causes pervasive harm.
Hawaii State fireworks laws misaligned with Honolulu City ordinances
A Honolulu City councilmember said weak city fireworks laws do not align with state regulations, so there is now a push to increase penalties for people who use, possess or sell illegal fireworks. The incentive comes after the deadly explosion on New Year’s Day.
Illegal fireworks cause mass casualty event in Hawaii: ‘Enough is enough’
The deadly explosion has sparked urgent calls from law enforcement and elected officials to reassess how illegal fireworks laws are enforced and what must change to avoid more tragedy.
Hawaii’s governor responds to deadly fireworks blast with proposed $300 fines, more prison time
The potential new measures include $300 tickets police could issue to those who shoot off fireworks and Class A felony ...
Hawaii law enforcement ask lawmakers for staff and money to crack down on illegal fireworks
Hawaii authorities are asking lawmakers for money to hire eight people and pay for a $2 million expansion of a forensic lab ...
'Enough is enough': Hawaii leaders pledge change after deadly illegal fireworks explosion
Hawaii officials say illegal fireworks have gotten out of control, and vow to crack down on their pipeline into the state.