Legislature passes measures cracking down on illegal fireworks in Hawai‘i

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature successfully passed legislation to address illegal fireworks. The bills are headed to Gov. Josh Green’s desk for his signature.

One Senate bill and three House bills collectively provide funding to law enforcement to address the issue, as well as creates new crimes and punishments for those who misuse fireworks, especially when someone is injured as a result.

This crackdown on fireworks comes after a 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration on Oʻahu left one person dead and dozens injured when a firework called a “cake” with 50 illegal aerial rockets within it tipped over and fired into a carport that set off more fireworks inside shortly after midnight, according to Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan.

“The passage of all this legislation marks a critical step forward in protecting our communities from the dangers posed by illegal fireworks,” said Attorney General Anne E. Lopez. “With stronger enforcement tools and clearer penalties now in place, our office is better equipped to hold offenders accountable and support county prosecutors in deterring this reckless behavior. The bills passed send a clear message: illegal fireworks have no place in our neighborhoods.”

Senate Bill 222 extends funding for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and the annual reporting
requirements to the Legislature from 2025 to 2030.

House Bill 1483 creates new crimes and punishments for misusing fireworks, especially if someone gets seriously hurt or killed. It also makes fireworks-related violations part of the same system used to handle traffic tickets and similar offenses.

“This bill establishes a clear adjudication process and strengthens penalties for violations,” said Rep. Scot Z. Matayoshi (House District 49 – Kāne‘ohe, Maunawili), chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce. “Enhancing enforcement is critical – not just to prevent fire damage, but also to prevent tragedies, protect lives, and mitigate the long-term repercussions illegal fireworks have on our communities. This bill also simplifies fireworks definitions, making it easier to issue citations and to prosecute violators.”

House Bill 806 appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct fireworks sting operations and establish an explosives and firearms laboratory.

On this bill, Representative Matayoshi stated, “It’s time we take a proactive approach to combating illegal fireworks, which remain a serious public safety threat. We must take strong action to hold offenders accountable. HB 806 gives the Department of Law Enforcement enhanced ability to strengthen enforcement of Oʻahu and deter future violations – we cannot risk another devastating tragedy.”

House Bill 550 allows the use of recordings made by law enforcement to establish probable cause for arrests under the Fireworks Control Law when operating an unmanned aerial vehicle that is above public property.

“Providing more tools for law enforcement to enforce our fireworks laws was a priority this session,” said House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce Vice Chair Rep. Cory M. Chun (House District 35 – Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview). “House Bill 550 was introduced to authorize law enforcement agencies to use modern drone surveillance technology while balancing privacy concerns. It establishes clear guidelines on where drones can be used and ensures that law enforcement does not use these devices for unwarranted searches. I want to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for taking meaningful steps this session to enforce and enhance our existing fireworks laws.”