Bill

SCR 218

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE A PERSONAL AIRCRAFT FIREWORKS INSPECTION PILOT PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Establish a DOT-run pilot to inspect private aircraft entering Hawaii for illegal fireworks, with enforcement coordination and a final report to the Legislature.

Referred to TCA/PSM.

#aircraft #departmentoftransportation #fireworks #inspection

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · SCR 218

SCR 218 – Comprehensive Summary

Overview

SCR 218 is a concurrent resolution in Hawaii’s 2025 Regular Session that asks the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and operate a pilot program to inspect personal aircraft for unlawful fireworks and pyrotechnic items entering the state. The resolution cites illegal fireworks as a safety risk and references the December 31, 2024 Aliamanu mass casualty incident. It directs DOT to begin the pilot by June 1, 2025 and run through no sooner than January 1, 2026, with a reporting requirement to the Legislature.

Purpose and Rationale

The main aim is to reduce the illegal importation of fireworks by private aircraft, thereby enhancing public safety.
The proposal envisions systematic inspections of incoming personal aircraft at airports owned or controlled by DOT, in coordination with law enforcement and fire departments.
The resolution emphasizes collaboration with enforcement and fire agencies to address disposal of prohibited fireworks consistent with state law.

Key Provisions

Establishment and operation of a personal aircraft fireworks inspection pilot program by DOT.
Pilot start: no later than June 1, 2025; end: not sooner than January 1, 2026.
Inspections of all personal aircraft entering Hawaii and landing at airports owned or controlled by DOT, conducted in coordination with:
- Federal, state, or county law enforcement agencies (for inspection and prevention of unauthorized fireworks/pyrotechnic transport).
- Law enforcement agencies or county fire departments (for disposal of prohibited fireworks and pyrotechnic articles per Hawaii Revised Statutes, section 132D-26).
DOT to provide a final report to the Legislature by January 30, 2026, covering:
- Evaluation of pilot program effectiveness.
- Issues affecting implementation.
- Any proposed legislation.
Transmittal of certified copies of the resolution to the Director of Transportation, the Director of Law Enforcement, and county police and fire chiefs.

Who and What Is Affected

Private individuals operating personal aircraft into Hawaii.
Airports owned or controlled by DOT.
State and county law enforcement agencies.
County fire departments.
Fireworks and pyrotechnic importers, distributors, and users.
Hawaii residents and visitors, indirectly, through enhanced border controls and safety measures.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction: March 7, 2025.
Referred to TCA/PSM: March 12, 2025.
Status: Referred to TCA/PSM (as of the latest actions).
Related: Companion SR 193.

Notes

SCR 218 is a concurrent resolution expressing legislative intent and requesting action by the DOT; it does not itself create new law but seeks the initiation of a pilot program and a legislative report. A companion bill, SR 193, exists as a related measure.

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