HONOLULU — On Tuesday, Hawaii officials sought $5.2 million from lawmakers to increase staff and enhance facilities at a forensic lab as part of a broader strategy to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks smuggling. This initiative comes in response to a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve that resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to about 20 others at a residence in Honolulu.
During legislative hearings, Jordan Lowe, the head of the state Department of Law Enforcement, presented this funding proposal to both House and Senate committees. The recent fatal explosion underscored the significant dangers posed by illegal fireworks in the state and emphasized the need for the department to intensify efforts against the flow of these dangerous explosives.
The state legislature is expected to review budget requests during its upcoming session starting January 15. In response to the ongoing issue, the state had previously established an Illegal Fireworks Task Force in 2023, collaborating with various state, city, and federal agencies. Since its inception, the task force has confiscated a total of 227,000 pounds (103,000 kilograms) of illegal fireworks, with two individuals already pleading no contest to related felony charges.
Lowe informed lawmakers that the task force currently relies on only two officers from his department, who primarily focus on narcotics enforcement. This limited staffing means they have to source personnel from other agencies, including the Honolulu Police Department and the attorney general’s office, whenever new operations arise. He pointed out to the House Finance Committee that this setup is not a viable long-term solution.
He illustrated the challenges faced during operations with an example: after seizing 30,000 pounds (13,600 kilograms) of fireworks, officers must unload the contraband from shipping containers, document the inventory, repackage the items for storage, and then trace the transaction history to determine potential prosecutions.
The requested eight positions for the proposed Explosives Enforcement Section would include six investigators—one designated as an administrator—and two clerical staff. Of the initial budget, approximately $2 million is earmarked for developing a forensic lab where explosives can be examined. Currently, the only lab in Honolulu authorized to analyze fireworks is overwhelmed with demand, prompting the need for additional facilities. To create this lab, the department will secure space, acquire necessary equipment, and hire a forensic expert for evidence analysis. Additionally, investigators will need safety gear and transportation options, alongside adequate storage facilities.
Furthermore, the department aims to collaborate with local fire departments to create a standardized fireworks permitting system to facilitate better enforcement of regulations.
Lowe acknowledged a noticeable decline in fireworks seizures over the past year. From early December 2023 to early January 2024, the task force confiscated 187,000 pounds (85,000 kilograms), but this drastically dropped to just 40,000 pounds (18,100 kilograms) for the remainder of last year. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz raised concerns about whether a decrease in tips from port workers was affecting the task force’s efficiency, and Lowe confirmed that this was indeed a challenge.
To bolster their efforts in identifying illegal fireworks entering the state, the task force is considering the acquisition of an X-ray or particle scanner, though these systems come with a hefty price tag in the millions.
On a community engagement note, the department has scheduled an amnesty event at Aloha Stadium where residents can safely dispose of illegal fireworks without fear of repercussions. This initiative is designed to promote public safety and encourage responsible fireworks handling.
“The tragic implications of illegal fireworks usage have been observed firsthand by our first responders,” stated Honolulu Fire Chief Sheldon Hao in a press announcement. “For the sake of public welfare, we cannot afford to overlook or downplay the significant risks tied to illegal fireworks.”
In other developments, the Honolulu medical examiner has identified the fourth victim of the New Year’s Eve explosion as Carmelita Beningno, aged 61.
