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Is proposed bill
‘end of fireworks’
in Hawaii?

Permits costing $25 may drive
sales underground, say critics
of legislation aimed
at 'moderation'

By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

While Gov. Ben Cayetano is predicting that a new proposed fireworks law will spell the end of the noisy, smoky, holiday celebrations, others say it will just drive the sales underground and allow a black market to flourish.

The new proposal, agreed to by a House-Senate conference committee last night, would increase fees for bringing firecrackers into the state and require private citizens to get a $25 permit to purchase up to 5,000 firecrackers.

"If that bill passes, it pretty much is going to spell the end of fireworks in this state," Cayetano said.

"I don't think it's going to be worth it to go out and get a $25 permit and then be able only to buy 5,000 firecrackers. Five thousand firecrackers will burn up in about a minute," he added.

But Dick Botti, lobbyist for wholesale and retail fireworks merchants, said the bill would be "a punitive measure for those who can't afford a permit."

Police officials have said the high permit fee would drive the sale underground.

"Legitimate vendors will be put out of business. The only source will be illegal black-marketers," Botti said.

But Rep. Eric Hamakawa, House Judiciary Committee chairman, said fees charged for the sale of fireworks would bring in enough money to allow police to increase supervision and enforcement.

While the Senate had wanted to simply outlaw all fireworks, the House insisted that some firework sales be maintained.

"The house feels that fireworks are a local tradition that can be enjoyed in moderation," Hamakawa said.

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