SB222 extends the life of Hawaii’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force, a Department of Law Enforcement task force created by Act 67 (2023) to develop a comprehensive strategic plan addressing illegal fireworks. The bill changes the task force’s reporting schedule so it must continue submitting interim reports to the Legislature before each regular session through 2029, and it delays the final report until before the 2030 regular session.
The measure also amends the sunset date of Act 67, extending the task force’s authorization from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2030. In practical terms, this keeps the task force in place for five additional years and preserves the statutory framework for its work on findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation related to illegal fireworks enforcement and policy.
Impact
SB222 does not create a new fireworks enforcement regime, but it changes existing law by extending the duration of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and its reporting obligations under Act 67, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023. It amends the act’s sunset provision and reporting deadlines, thereby keeping the task force active through June 30, 2030 and requiring continued legislative updates. The bill affects the Department of Law Enforcement, the task force members, and the Legislature, which will continue receiving annual interim reports and a final report later than originally scheduled.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill. It passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee 4-1, then passed Senate Ways and Means 13-0, and later cleared both House and Senate conference committees unanimously. No committee transcripts were provided, but the strong vote margins indicate the measure was generally viewed favorably as a continuation of ongoing work on illegal fireworks.
Contention
The main policy issue appears to be whether the Illegal Fireworks Task Force should continue operating beyond its original 2025 sunset date. Any opposition likely centers on extending a temporary task force rather than concluding its work, or on whether the Legislature should instead pursue more direct fireworks enforcement or regulatory changes. However, the recorded votes show little formal resistance, with only one dissenting vote at the first Senate committee stage and unanimous support thereafter.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.