HB 2275 Summary

• Incorporates fireworks violations into Hawaii's existing traffic and emergency order citation system under Chapter 291D, establishing an expedited adjudication process for fireworks infractions.

• Defines "fireworks infraction" as any violation of Chapter 132D (fireworks control law) not explicitly classified as felony or misdemeanor, allowing civil rather than criminal prosecution.

• Amends Chapter 132D penalties to impose $500 fines for general fireworks violations (subject to Chapter 291D adjudication), while maintaining felony and misdemeanor classifications for serious violations involving 25+ pounds or illegal importing.

• Establishes fireworks infraction fees as revenue for the judiciary computer system special fund and appropriates funds to update the judiciary information management system to process fireworks citations.

• Allows district courts to process fireworks infractions through mail-based responses, hearings for contested infractions, and mitigation hearings—similar to traffic violation procedures—to expedite resolution and preserve judicial resources.