Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR37

Introduced
3/8/22  
Refer
3/10/22  
Report Pass
3/29/22  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of Harbor Inspection Procedures Of State Departments For Shipping Containers To Prevent The Importation Of Illegal Fireworks Into The State.

Impact

The resolution aims to bolster state laws regarding inspections of shipping containers, which are currently limited in scope. With over 200,000 shipping containers arriving annually at Hawaii's commercial harbors, the proposed audit will assess the current inspection processes, identify shortcomings, and present strategies for improving compliance and enforcement. This may include evaluating the effectiveness of past recommendations from the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and ensuring they are implemented effectively to enhance the security framework surrounding cargo inspections.

Summary

House Resolution 37 (HR37) calls for an audit of the harbor inspection procedures conducted by state departments to mitigate the importation of illegal fireworks into Hawaii. The resolution arises from a long-standing issue where, despite a partial fireworks ban imposed by the City and County of Honolulu in 2011, illegal fireworks use continues to pose risks to public safety and property. This situation has led to numerous injuries and property damage, highlighting the necessity for stricter regulation and oversight regarding cargo arriving in the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HR37 appears to be supportive among those advocating for greater public safety measures. Legislators and community members concerned about the risks associated with illegal fireworks recognize the need for more effective regulatory practices. However, there may be some contention regarding the resource allocation for such audits and implementations, with discussions likely centered on balancing safety with logistical efficiency.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HR37 is the practical feasibility of increasing inspection frequencies without substantial state investment in resources and personnel. Stakeholders might express concerns about the associated costs and operational challenges in deploying more extensive inspections across a busy harbor system. Additionally, there may be debates over the effectiveness of the proposed measures in truly curbing the importation of illegal fireworks, particularly if they are not paired with broader educational and enforcement initiatives.

Companion Bills

HI HCR42

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of Harbor Inspection Procedures Of State Departments For Shipping Containers To Prevent The Importation Of Illegal Fireworks Into The State.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR192

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SR164

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SB37

Relating To Fireworks.

HI HB809

Relating To Fireworks.

HI SB498

Relating To Fireworks.

HI HB216

Relating To Fireworks.

HI HB686

Relating To Fireworks.

HI HB889

Relating To Illegal Fireworks Taskforce.

HI SCR169

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI HCR192

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Department Of Education's Statewide Backlog Of Capital Improvement Repair And Maintenance Projects.

Similar Bills

HI HCR42

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of Harbor Inspection Procedures Of State Departments For Shipping Containers To Prevent The Importation Of Illegal Fireworks Into The State.

HI SCR84

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of Harbor Inspection Procedures Of State Departments And Federal Agencies For Shipping Containers To Prevent The Importation Of Illegal Fireworks Into The State.

CA SB794

Fireworks: fireworks stewardship program.

HI SB513

Relating To The Enforcement Of Laws.

HI SB3194

Relating To The Enforcement Of Laws.

CA SB277

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.

CA AB2740

Fireworks: dangerous fireworks: seizure: management.

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.