Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR48

Introduced
3/7/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Introduced
3/7/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  
Refer
3/14/24  
Report Pass
3/25/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution points out that illegal fireworks have caused substantial harm in the past, including numerous injury incidents and property damage. During a one-day period from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024, the Honolulu Fire Department responded to 23 fireworks-related fires. Moreover, there were reports of injuries inflicted by fireworks on residents, including children and the elderly, which will have lifelong consequences for some. The bill highlights the importance of education and awareness in changing public attitudes toward the use of fireworks, indicating that effective PSAs could foster safer practices during celebrations.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 48 (SCR48) aims to address the significant public safety, health, and environmental risks associated with the use of illegal fireworks in Hawaii. The resolution urges various county departments including law enforcement, fire departments, and police departments, as well as humane societies and media organizations, to collaborate in creating and disseminating public service announcements (PSAs). The goal is to highlight the dangers of illegal fireworks and advocate against their use to protect the local community, pets, and wildlife.

Conclusion

By urging collaboration among key stakeholders, SCR48 aims to create a comprehensive approach to advocating for public safety in relation to illegal fireworks. The awareness campaigns proposed in the resolution seek to educate the public on the dangers of fireworks, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidents of fireworks-related injuries and environmental harm, thereby protecting both community members and wildlife.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SCR48 likely include concerns about balancing enjoyment of fireworks during celebrations with the risks they pose to public health and safety. Critics may argue that the resolution places undue restrictions on personal freedom to celebrate and enjoy fireworks. However, advocates emphasize the necessity for community-wide awareness to mitigate the adverse effects that illegal fireworks have, such as triggering PTSD in veterans, causing distress to pets, and damaging local wildlife habitats.

Companion Bills

HI HCR52

Same As 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.

HI SR36

Same As 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.

Similar Bills

HI HR129

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, City And County Of Honolulu, And Honolulu Police Department To Partner With Local Businesses And Organizations To Create Disposal Programs For Illegal Fireworks.

HI HCR135

Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, City And County Of Honolulu, And Honolulu Police Department To Partner With Local Businesses And Organizations To Create Disposal Programs For Illegal Fireworks.

HI SCR85

Requesting The Honolulu Police Department To Utilize Geographic Information System Mapping To Establish A Comprehensive And Detailed Map Of Complaints And Incidents On Oahu Related To Illegal Fireworks Use.

HI SR36

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.

HI HCR52

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.

HI HR41

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.

HI HB806

Relating To Fireworks.

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.