Hawaii HB55 raises penalties for fireworks-related offenses, converting certain misdemeanors to class C felonies.

Hawaii HB55 aims to deter illegal fireworks use by increasing penalties for certain offenses. The bill raises the penalty from a misdemeanor to a class C felony for transferring or selling fireworks to unlicensed individuals, removing pyrotechnic contents from fireworks, and possessing or using fireworks without a valid license. This change follows a mass casualty incident in Aliamanu, Oahu, on December 31, 2024, where fireworks caused significant harm. The bill does not affect offenses that occurred before its effective date.

Hawaii HB55 raises penalties for fireworks-related offenses, converting certain misdemeanors to class C felonies.

Hawaii HB55 aims to deter illegal fireworks use by increasing penalties for certain offenses. The bill raises the penalty from a misdemeanor to a class C felony for transferring or selling fireworks to unlicensed individuals, removing pyrotechnic contents from fireworks, and possessing or using fireworks without a valid license. This change follows a mass casualty incident in Aliamanu, Oahu, on December 31, 2024, where fireworks caused significant harm. The bill does not affect offenses that occurred before its effective date.