A proposed ban of consumer fireworks on Oahu could become law with just two more votes by the Honolulu City Council.
On Wednesday the Council voted 8 to 1 to move Bill 34 past second reading. The bill would make possession of something as common as a sparkler or a pack of firecrackers illegal, with fines reaching up to $2,000 and penalties resulting in as much as a year in jail.
Under questioning by Council member Ikaika Anderson Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha admitted a ban would not end the use of aerials or homemade bombs.
“The law will help if you pass the law,” said Kealoha, “but it's not going to be a magic wand.”
Anderson said police would face the same obstacles in enforcing a ban on consumer grade fireworks that currently prevents officers from cracking down on illegal aerials – a lack of enforcement.
Kealoha said officers would be forced to prove possession of fireworks before they could issue a citation or make an arrest. He also admitted that even if an officer sees someone ignite an illegal aerial, the officer would have to recover the shell for evidence purposes in order to prosecute.
Kealoha said if the ban on consumer fireworks were to become law HPD’s focus would shift to those who are brining fireworks into the state.
"Hopefully you can reduce the supply coming in and then it’s easier, a little bit more focused on the enforcement.”
Bill 34 now heads back to the Council’s Public Safety Committee. If the committee passes the bill it could face a final vote before the full Council in mid-August.
Have a news tip? Contact Andrew Pereira at 368-7273.
