HI HR110

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, requested to conduct a study on social and economic impacts of permitting aerial fireworks sales and imposing a tax on such sales.

Study must evaluate potential revenue from an aerial fireworks tax, whether legalization and taxation would discourage illegal fireworks activities, and if tax revenue could fund enforcement against illegal fireworks use.

Study must also assess whether mandatory liability insurance policies should be required for persons purchasing aerial fireworks permits.

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution cites illegal aerial fireworks as an ongoing problem in Hawaii causing injuries, property damage, and fatalities, and notes that previous recommendations from the 2011 Illegal Fireworks Task Force have not achieved desired impact.