(BIVN) – Two days before 4th of July pyrotechnics will be on display across Hawaiʻi, Governor David Ige signed into law three bills relating to fireworks.

On Tuesday, behind his desk and with firefighters by his side, Governor Ige signed Act 184 (HB497), Act 185 (HB499), and Act 186 (HB501). Here is a brief description of the three bills:

• HB497 HD1 SD2 – RELATING TO FIREWORKS: Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to update its Report of the Illegal Fireworks Task Force to the Legislature for the Regular Session of 2011.
• HB499 HD1 SD1 – RELATING TO FIREWORKS LABELING: Corrects the labeling dimensions for a label affixed to display fireworks from nine inches by nine inches to nine square inches.
• HB501 HD2 SD2 – RELATING TO FIREWORKS: Clarifies the authorization of the use of fireworks by permit for movie, television, and theatrical productions and for activities for testing, disposal, and destruction of illegal fireworks by law enforcement. Allows the jurisdictional authority to approve the purchase and use of consumer fireworks, aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic for movie and television productions.

“Hawaiʻi has a long history with fireworks, but i do believe that these measures really help us do a better job of regulating fireworks as appropriate and most importantly keep our communities safe,” Governor Ige said.

A fourth bill that was passed by the legislature and transmitted to the governor, HB89 HD2 SD2 CD1, has yet to be signed into law. According to its description, the bill:

Establishes liability for a person who is responsible for real property and allows an individual to possess or set off illegal aerial devices on the real property. Establishes criminal penalties. Clarifies that probable cause for arrest for fireworks offenses may be based on statements from witnesses and photographs, video, and other recordings.

Governor Ige did not name HB89 to his list of bills he intends to veto.