HI HB216

Establishes a shipping container inspection program beginning October 1, 2023, requiring the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Departments of Defense and Transportation, to randomly inspect shipping containers arriving in Honolulu for illegal fireworks and explosives.

Mandates the use of explosive-sniffing dogs in container inspections and prioritizes inspection resources toward high-risk containers while exempting low-risk containers from military, state, county agencies, and registered businesses in good standing.

Creates the shipping container inspection program special fund to be funded by shipping container import fees assessed by the Department of Transportation ($1 per container beginning July 1, 2023, increasing to $2 per container beginning July 1, 2024) and legislative appropriations.

Appropriates general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish and administer the program, including the purchase and care of at least two explosive-sniffing dogs.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to submit reports to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 and 2025 regular sessions detailing implementation findings, costs, and recommendations.