Hawaiʻi lawmakers who hope to curb the use of illegal fireworks already have several bills drafted ahead of the start of Jan. 15’s new legislative session. The bills come after the deadly New Year’s Eve explosion in Aliamanu,

Buckeye, along with a number of other metro Phoenix cities, are beginning to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks. The Buckeye City Council passed a city code amendment Tuesday that doubles the previous fine.

Hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks were turned in to State officials today and no questions were asked to those who brought them in.

The measure would categorize less than 25 pounds as a low-level offense, compared to the current weight increments, which have been hard to prove in court. The legislation would also increase the penalties for those who seriously injure or kill someone while using illegal fireworks.

Clamping down on illegal fireworks and changing outlaw pyrotechnic behavior will be the early focus of the legislative session that begins Wednesday following the deaths of five people — including a 3-year-old boy — and injuries to dozens more that marred New Year’s Eve celebrations.