HI HB216

Establishes a shipping container inspection program under 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, with implementation required by October 1, 2023.

Requires the shipping container inspection program to use explosive-sniffing dogs to the greatest extent reasonable, prioritize high-risk containers, inspect all containers with legal fireworks, and balance safety with commercial interests.

Imposes shipping container import fees of $1 per container beginning July 1, 2023, increasing to $2 per container beginning July 1, 2024, with all fees deposited into a new shipping container inspection program special fund.

Creates the shipping container inspection program special fund in the state treasury to receive appropriations, donations, grants, and shipping container fees, with all moneys used to support and administer the inspection program.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to establish and operate the program, including purchase and care of at least two explosive-sniffing dogs; requires the Department of Public Safety to submit implementation reports to the legislature before the 2024 and 2025 regular sessions.