HONOLULU (KHON2) — 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, where four people have died so far and many more remain hospitalized.
One bill proposed to the legislature would ban the use of consumer fireworks on major holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July and Chinese New Year statewide. Exceptions would be made for cultural purposes.
Another bill proposes the installation of equipment at airports capable of scanning for fireworks.
There will also be discussions to require police departments to buy and deploy explosion detection equipment.
Community efforts have also been made to limit the number of illegal fireworks on the street, with the Department of Law Enforcement holding a fireworks amnesty event, where over 1,300 pounds of illegal fireworks were surrendered.
KHON2 will keep track of these bills to see if any of them become law.