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 acknowledges that existing penalties have not successfully deterred illegal fireworks activities, which persist due to cultural practices tied to significant celebrations in Hawaii. By proposing a new framework that permits the controlled sale of aerial fireworks under a taxed environment, HCR171 aims to explore the possibility of regulating these products better, thereby enhancing public safety while potentially generating additional state revenue.
Summary
HCR171 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the State of Hawaii, seeking to address the issues related to the illegal sale and use of aerial fireworks. This resolution calls upon the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Taxation, to conduct a comprehensive study of the social and economic impacts of legalizing the sale of aerial fireworks and applying a tax on their sale. The resolution emerges in response to rising incidents of injuries, property damage, and fatalities caused by illegal aerial fireworks, which have become a growing concern within neighborhoods across the state.
Conclusion
In summary, HCR171 seeks to facilitate a study that can inform future legislative action regarding aerial fireworks in Hawaii. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the potential economic benefits of taxation while also addressing the substantial risks associated with aerial fireworks usage. The outcomes of this study may significantly influence state policy on fireworks regulations.
Contention
The proposal does raise significant points of contention around the legal status of aerial fireworks. Stakeholders may argue about the effectiveness of taxation as a deterrent to illegal activities and whether this move might unintentionally normalize the use of aerial fireworks, leading to more frequent injuries and property damage. Furthermore, the study must consider whether implementing mandatory liability insurance for permit holders would enhance safety or merely add another layer of bureaucracy.
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.
Urging The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, In Collaboration With The Department Of The Attorney General, To Investigate And Regulate The Sale Of Tickets To Live Entertainment Events Under Its Authority To Protect Consumers Against Unfair Or Deceptive Acts Or Practices In The Conduct Of Any Commerce.
Urging The Hawaii Tourism Authority, In Consultation With The Office Of Enterprise Technology Services, To Conduct A Study On The Social And Safety Impacts Of Geotagging.
Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.
Urging The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, In Collaboration With The Department Of The Attorney General, To Investigate And Regulate The Sale Of Tickets To Live Entertainment Events Under Its Authority To Protect Consumers Against Unfair Or Deceptive Acts Or Practices In The Conduct Of Any Commerce.
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.