Tell Us: How Should ±á²¹·É²¹¾±Ê»¾± Handle Illegal Fireworks?
Love them or hate them, we want to hear your ideas as we continue to report on this divisive issue.
Following a spate of fireworks-related injuries and deaths this New Year’s, many of you have reached out to share thoughtful solutions as officials weigh how ±á²¹·É²¹¾±Ê»¾± should move forward.
Some regard dramatic firework displays like those we saw on New Year’s Eve as a nostalgic, cherished holiday tradition in our islands. But it’s clear now that frustration is mounting — seemingly more than ever — among those who worry about the impact of fireworks on public safety, fire risk, pets and sleeping babies, to name a few concerns.
With a new legislative session looming, lawmakers have already started mulling ways to crack down on illegal fireworks.
Legislators learned in a briefing this week that illegal fireworks are transported to ±á²¹·É²¹¾±Ê»¾± via commercial airlines on an almost daily basis. The state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force has called on legislators to create a full-time criminal investigation unit focused on fireworks. Just hours after the Salt Lake explosion that killed at least four people, Gov. Josh Green proposed making the possession of 50 pounds or more of illegal fireworks a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Addressing illegal fireworks will be about much more than bills signed and taxpayer dollars spent. As the governor said in a New Year’s Day press conference, change can’t come from first responders alone — it’ll take the buy-in of our community.
So with that in mind, we’ve created to collect your thoughts on enforcement, legislation or community solutions to address illegal fireworks in our neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking a laissez-faire approach, compromise or all-out ban, share your specific ideas in no more than a few paragraphs using the form below. We’ll read them all and publish some of your responses on our website or social media platforms.
But of course, we’re all about civic engagement here at Civil Beat, so don’t let your ideas stop here. While you’re at it, why not also pass them along to your neighborhood board, county council or ?
Mahalo for your interest. We look forward to reading your ideas!
Share your ideas on tackling illegal fireworks in ±á²¹·É²¹¾±Ê»¾± here. (Can’t see the form below? )
