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GM 1346

Informing the Legislature that on June 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1483 HD1 SD1 CD2 (ACT 243).

2025 Regular Session

Act 243 strengthens Hawaii's fireworks laws, imposing penalties for illegal use, enhancing public safety, and protecting communities from noise and health risks.

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Bill Summary · GM 1346

Summary of GM 1346: Proclamation of Act 243

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: GM 1346
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1483 HD1 SD1 CD2 (ACT 243).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: June 30, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 243

Purpose and Intent

GM 1346 serves as a formal notification to the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, signed into law House Bill 1483 (H.B. NO. 1483, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 2), which is now known as Act 243. The primary intent of Act 243 is to address the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, which have been linked to public health risks, property damage, and environmental concerns.

Key Provisions of Act 243

Act 243 introduces several significant changes to the regulation of fireworks in Hawaii:

  1. Establishment of Offenses and Penalties:

    • The Act creates various criminal offenses related to the use of fireworks without proper permits.
    • It establishes graduated penalties for repeat offenses, with heightened penalties for incidents resulting in injury or death.

  2. Definitions and Enforcement:

    • The Act revises definitions related to fireworks and articles pyrotechnic, clarifying what constitutes illegal use.
    • It incorporates fireworks infractions into the existing adjudication process for traffic and emergency period infractions, allowing for more efficient processing of cases.

  3. Specific Prohibitions:

    • The Act prohibits the use of fireworks within specified distances from sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and residential areas.
    • Violations of these prohibitions can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offense.

Impact of Act 243

  • Public Safety: The Act aims to enhance public safety by reducing the risks associated with illegal fireworks, which have been linked to injuries, fatalities, and environmental pollution.
  • Community Well-being: It seeks to alleviate the distress caused by loud fireworks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as war veterans and individuals with respiratory conditions.
  • Resource Allocation: By improving enforcement of fireworks laws, the Act aims to free up public safety resources that are currently strained by illegal fireworks incidents, allowing for better response to other emergencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law on June 30, 2025.
  • Legislative Notification: GM 1346 serves as the official notification to the legislature regarding the signing of Act 243.

In summary, GM 1346 and Act 243 represent a legislative effort to enhance public safety and community well-being by addressing the challenges posed by illegal fireworks in Hawaii.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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