HONOLULU (KHON2) — The deadly explosion has sparked urgent calls from law enforcement and elected officials to reassess how illegal fireworks laws are enforced and what must change to avoid more tragedy.
Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news
Honolulu mayor Rick Blangiardi made himself very clear after the devastation on New Year’s Day.
“Enough is enough. This situation is out of control and it can not be allowed to continue, we will not allow it to continue,” Blangiardi said.
The Honolulu mayor and Gov. Josh Green said they are in the process of coordinating with federal and State officials to impose tougher penalties on distributors and implement new technologies to stop shipments of the explosives.
4 dead, many injured in firework-related calls on Oahu
“So you have to realize illegal fireworks is, it’s contraband, it’s criminal contraband. So, they are follow the same smuggling patterns as, you know, illegal drugs, you know, as illegal ghost guns,” said Department of Law Enforcement director Jordan Lowe.