HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s illegal fireworks problem has once again been thrust into the spotlight. On Friday, Jan. 3, the Department of Law Enforcement submitted a report to state lawmakers, requesting millions in funding for expanded enforcement.
Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news
According to the DLE’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force, illegal fireworks are being smuggled into Hawaii daily and year-round. The lucrative business can bring in about a million dollars for every container that arrives here.
“You know, for some people, that’s their annual income,” said Jordan Lowe, Director for the DLE.
HPD reports fewer fireworks arrests, citations
The DLE is preparing to ask the legislature for more money to fund a full-time explosive enforcement section to tackle this underground market. The section would include a team of six investigators and support staff.
They’re also preparing to ask the legislature for funding to create a statewide explosives and fireworks laboratory to complement its existing forensic drug testing lab.
“The analysis of these explosive materials is something that’s required for prosecution and for timely prosecution, which is why something that we want to establish,” said Lowe.
State lawmakers said the New Year’s Day tragedy in Aliamanu underscores the urgency to crack down on the black market and are carefully considering committing more resources, despite the state’s tight budget.
“My position has been to continue to provide resources to this illegal fireworks task force. They have been successful, even though we may not see that statewide or island-wide,” said Senator Brandon Elefante, who serves as the Public Safety committee chair.
“What I would really like to see is more investigations that are done are looking for all of the bad things that might be coming in invasive species, drugs, illegal fireworks,” said Representative Della Au Belatti, chair of the House Public Safety Committee.
In the year and a half the task force has been established, it’s seized more than 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. The report also highlights dismantling parts of the supply chain with 20 criminal citations and two Oahu men charged with felony fireworks distribution. Their sentencing is scheduled for later this year.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
But Director Lowe said he knows the problem is far from solved.
“We are doing as much as we can, given the limited resources that we have, we can do more. We can do better, and we should do better. That’s what the community deserves.” said Lowe.