HONOLULU (KHON2) — There are efforts to significantly reduce consumer fireworks throughout the state, proposed law seeks to only allow fireworks at permitted cultural events. But critics said the proposal does not get to the real issue, of preventing illegal fireworks from entering the state.
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The use of legal fireworks is facing scrutiny, lawmakers are weighing whether to reduce when and where fireworks could be used. The fire departments in the state support the measure that would prohibit the use of consumer fireworks except for use at cultural events.
Hawaii County Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd said this would make neighborhoods safer by not allowing fireworks outside of permitted cultural events.
“Huge change considering basically, you know what we are doing is taking away the consumer use and going more towards just putting large shows and things like that,” Todd said.
The proposal would remove New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year’s Day and Fourth of July as days when the public can purchase fireworks.