HI HB809

Establishes a shipping container inspection program to be implemented by the Department of Public Safety no later than December 1, 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies to randomly inspect incoming shipping containers for illegal fireworks.

Requires the inspection program to use explosive-sniffing dogs to inspect containers at secure sites, prioritize high-risk containers over low-risk containers (military, state/county agencies, and registered businesses in good standing), and inspect all containers with legal fireworks using qualified personnel.

Mandates that shipping companies or persons shipping fireworks by ocean cargo provide all shipping documents (invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc.) to the Department of Public Safety before the ship leaves port, with penalties of no less than $10,000 per violation for non-compliance.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to submit reports to the legislature no later than 40 days prior to the 2024 and 2025 regular sessions detailing implementation costs, program operating costs, and proposed legislation.

Appropriates unspecified funding for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for program establishment and administration, including the purchase and care of at least two explosive-sniffing dogs.