Hawaii House Bill HCR54

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement To Monitor The Use Of Illegal Fireworks At Public Parks And Beaches.

Impact

Evidence indicates that stricter firework regulations can lead to a decrease in injuries. A statewide ban in Hawaii on aerial fireworks was found to correlate with a substantial drop in emergency room visits related to fireworks. However, despite this, there has been a troubling trend of increasing injuries since the height of these restrictions, especially in recent years. The resolution aims to restore some of the public safety measures that were effective previously.

Summary

HCR54 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, which urges the Department of Law Enforcement to increase monitoring of illegal fireworks at public parks and beaches. The growing use of illegal fireworks has raised concerns among communities due to a significant rise in related injuries and fatalities. For instance, during the New Year's holiday period of 2024-2025, Hawaii experienced the highest number of emergency room visits due to fireworks-related incidents since 2010, totaling 110 cases, including five fatalities.

Contention

Noteworthy is a catastrophic fireworks incident that occurred on January 1, 2025, during a New Year's Eve celebration, resulting in six fatalities. The significance of this incident highlights the dire need for increased monitoring and enforcement measures. This resolution does not propose new legislation but instead advocates for better enforcement of existing regulations to enhance public safety and reduce the risks associated with illegal fireworks.