Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR110

Introduced
3/11/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, In Consultation With The Department Of Taxation, To Conduct A Study On The Social And Economic Impacts Of Permitting The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks And Imposing A Tax On The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks.

Impact

The resolution tasks the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, to analyze potential benefits and drawbacks of both legalizing aerial fireworks sales and imposing a corresponding tax. The findings from this study are aimed at determining if legalizing sales coupled with taxation could serve as a deterrent against illegal fireworks usage while also generating additional revenue for the state. Key considerations will include the revenue potential from such a tax and whether these funds could be allocated to further reduce illegal activities related to fireworks.

Summary

House Resolution 110 (HR110), introduced in the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, calls for a comprehensive study on the social and economic impacts of allowing the sale of aerial fireworks and the implications of imposing a tax on their sale. It is recognized that illegal aerial fireworks pose a significant issue within the state, leading to numerous injuries, property damage, and even fatalities as they are frequently used in residential areas for celebrations. The resolution acknowledges that attempts to control illegal fireworks through strict penalties have not curtailed their use effectively, necessitating a reevaluation of state policy on this matter.

Contention

There are notable points of contention to consider, particularly concerning public safety and community impacts. Proponents may argue that allowing regulated sales could diminish the appeal of illegal purchases, whereas opponents might express concern about the risks involved in legalizing aerial fireworks, given the historical issues with accidents and disturbances they cause in neighborhoods. There is also the question of liability insurance for purchasers of permits for aerial fireworks, aiming to protect both consumers and the public from potential mishaps.

Implementation

Should HR110's recommendations lead to legislative changes, it could significantly impact local laws governing fireworks, establishing a framework for regulated sales. The resolution calls for a report on findings and recommendations to be submitted to the legislature prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2023, potentially paving the way for new legislative measures to address the ongoing challenges posed by aerial fireworks in Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI HCR114

Same As Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, In Consultation With The Department Of Taxation, To Conduct A Study On The Social And Economic Impacts Of Permitting The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks And Imposing A Tax On The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks.

Previously Filed As

HI HR139

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Conduct An Analysis Regarding The Scopes Of Practice For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses And Physician Assistants.

HI HR115

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs' Division Of Financial Institutions And The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation To Extend The Digital Currency Innovation Lab Pilot Project Until June 30, 2024, Or Until Legislation Is Enacted That Provides For A Digital Currency Licensure Program, Whichever Occurs First.

HI HR176

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, In Consultation With The Department Of Taxation, To Conduct A Study On The Social And Economic Impacts Of Permitting The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks And Imposing A Tax On The Sale Of Aerial Fireworks.

HI HR89

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Convene A Working Group On The Governance Of Housing Subdivisions In The Puna District, Hawaii County.

HI HR54

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs And The Contractors License Board To Ensure That The Contractors License Board Includes At Least Two Members With Expertise In Specialty Structural Contracting.

HI HR30

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Study Potential Solutions And Make Recommendations For A Long-term Management Plan For Sunset Memorial Park.

HI HR146

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Establish And Convene A Pharmacy Reimbursement Working Group To Explore And Propose Legislation For The 2026 Legislative Session.

HI HCR139

Requesting The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs To Conduct An Analysis Regarding The Scopes Of Practice For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses And Physician Assistants.

Similar Bills

CA SB794

Fireworks: fireworks stewardship program.

AZ SB1479

Fireworks; aerials; licensure; penalties

AZ SB1284

Fireworks; aerials; licensure; penalties

CA SB277

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.

CA AB1403

Public safety: fireworks: enforcement: funding.

KS SB199

Designating the existing fallen firefighters memorial within the Kansas firefighters museum in Wichita as the official fallen firefighters memorial of the state of Kansas and replacing the Kansas firefighters memorial advisory committee with the Kansas firefighter memorial council; defining the fireworks sales season for seasonal retailers of consumer fireworks, providing for year-round sales by permanent retailers of consumer fireworks, requiring permanent retailers to register with the state fire marshal.

CA AB2740

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.

HI SB165

Relating To Fireworks