STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1324

                                 Honolulu, Hawaii
                                                   , 1999

                                 RE: S.B. No. 680
                                     S.D. 1
                                     H.D. 1




Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twentieth State Legislature
Regular Session of 1999
State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which
was referred S.B. No. 680, S.D. 1, entitled: 

     "A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREWORKS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill, which would take effect after
January 2, 2000, is to prohibit the import, sale, and use of
fireworks unless permitted by county ordinance except for
religious or cultural purposes and public display.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this bill
from the Hawaii Medical Association, the American Lung
Association, and concerned individuals.  Comments were received
from the Honolulu Police Department, the Office of the Public
Defender, and the Legislative Information Services of Hawaii.

     Your Committee finds that the enactment of the existing
statutory provisions had preempted the county governments from
regulating fireworks.  In light of the widespread and increased
use of fireworks in recent years, your Committee finds that
permitting the counties to further regulate the use of fireworks
through the issuance of certificates of use is prudent and
reasonable.

     Your Committee amended this bill by deleting its substance
and inserting provisions that:


 
 
                                 STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1324
                                 Page 2

 
     (1)  Allow the counties to regulate the use of non-aerial
          common fireworks through the issuance of certificates
          of use; and

     (2)  Establish a misdemeanor offense to possess, purchase,
          set off, ignite, or discharge aerial common fireworks
          without a license or permit.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your
Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to
this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and
purpose of S.B. No. 680, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and
recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached
hereto as S.B. No. 680, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to the
Committee on Finance.

                                   Respectfully submitted on
                                   behalf of the members of the
                                   Committee on Judiciary &
                                   Hawaiian Affairs,



                                   ______________________________
                                   PAUL T. OSHIRO, Chair