HONOLULU (KHON2) — The state Department of Law Enforcement’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force has seized more than 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks since its formation in 2023, the state senate said.
The state senate visited a DLE bunker that stores illegal fireworks on Oct. 3, where lawmakers were able to see firsthand the amount of explosives seized.
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The DLE’s illegal fireworks bunker contains countless amounts of illegal fireworks that have been seized. (Courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority) -
More than 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have been confiscated thanks to the DLE’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force. (Courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority) -
The Illegal Fireworks Task Force was established by the legislature in 2023, allowing for more investigation into explosives. (Courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Senate Majority)
For Sen. Brandon J.C. Elefante, the visit reiterated the importance of enforcing fireworks laws.
“Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to our neighborhoods, and the work of the task force is critical to protecting the public,” Elefante said. “With the passage of Act 246, 243, 244 and 247, the state legislature is committed to supporting the work of the task force in enforcing effective legislation to address the issue of illegal fireworks in our state.”
Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz echoed similar sentiments, adding in that prosecuting violators is part of community safety.
“Illegal fireworks jeopardize the quality of life in our communities, and that’s why the legislature created the task force — to ensure we have the tools to protect our residents and hold violators accountable,” Dela Cruz said.
In addition to the 227,000 pounds of illegal fireworks confiscated, the task force has also conducted more than 1,200 enforcement operations and worked on multi-agency tasks to prevent major shipments to the islands.
For DLE Director Mike Lambert, the successful results of the task force can be accredited to better communication and teamwork between the various levels of government.
“The creation of the task force has allowed us to better align county, state and federal resources, and these results show the progress we can achieve when we work together,” Lambert said.