URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU, AND HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTNER WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO CREATE DISPOSAL PROGRAMS FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Alcos and 7 co-sponsors

Urges state/local agencies to establish and run regular illegal fireworks disposal programs, coordinating events to reduce injuries, hazards, and property damage.

Referred to JHA, referral sheet 22

#disposalprograms #illegalfireworks #publicsafety

Overview / Purpose

HCR 135 is a concurrent resolution urging state and local public safety agencies to establish and promote programs for the safe disposal of illegal fireworks. The measure responds to a documented rise in illegal fireworks use and related injuries and property damage, and cites a successful disposal event that collected over 1,300 pounds of fireworks from 121 residents as evidence that disposal programs can be effective.

Key provisions

Urges the Department of Law Enforcement, the City & County of Honolulu, and the Honolulu Police Department to partner with local businesses and organizations to create disposal programs for illegal fireworks.

Further urges the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Department of Law Enforcement, Department of the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, and Honolulu Fire Department to coordinate and host fireworks disposal events on a regular basis.

Directs that certified copies of the Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to:

Director, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Director of Law Enforcement (State)
Attorney General (State)
Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu
Chairperson, Honolulu City Council
Chief of Police, Honolulu Police Department
Fire Chief, Honolulu Fire Department

Who would be affected

Residents who possess illegal or unused fireworks (would gain safe disposal options).

Local law enforcement and fire departments (would be asked to plan, host, and manage disposal events and ongoing programs).

City & county agencies and the State Department of Law Enforcement (coordination and partnership responsibilities).

Local businesses and organizations partnering in drop-off or disposal logistics.

Public safety and neighborhood communities (expected reduction in illegal fireworks incidents).

Legal effect and limitations

HCR 135 is a concurrent resolution — it is non-binding and does not create new law or appropriate funds. It expresses the Legislature’s policy preference and formally requests agencies to act.

Implementation would require administrative decisions, interagency coordination, and potential resource commitments by the urged entities or their partners.

Procedural / timeline notes

Introduced: April 15, 2025 (offered March 7, 2025).

Referred to Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), referral sheet 22; considered in committee and recommended for local & uncontested calendar.

Adopted by both chambers (House adoption recorded May 19; Senate adoption May 25).

Sent to Governor May 28, 2025; signed June 20, 2025.

Sponsor list includes Representatives Alcos, Pierick, Reyes Oda, Garcia, Matsumoto, Shimizu, Ward, and La Chica.

Companion measure: HR 129.

Potential impacts and considerations

Could reduce hazardous storage and illegal use of fireworks if disposal programs are established and accessible.

Would require logistical planning (drop-off sites, transport, safe destruction), liability/insurance arrangements, public outreach, and possibly funding or in-kind support from partners.

Coordination with federal ATF could be important for handling certain classes of fireworks and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

Bill