Search Results

HB673 & SB353 aim to add transparency to the state and county's emergency management practices. It specifies that during emergencies, requests for public records or vital records cannot be suspended. This should be a no-brainer. Public records are public for a reason. Stripping away transparency in government affairs does nothing but engender distrust and resentment from the people of Hawaii. The bill also introduces the concept of "severe warning" and allows the Legislature and city councils to terminate a state of emergency declared by the Governor or Mayor, respectively, with a two-thirds majority vote. This is a good step toward localizing government power during emergencies, and could prevent the types of unilateral control experienced in Hawaii during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Governor Green has made clear his lack of faith in localized responses, so this may be a difficult one to pass. How You Can Help: Every voice can make a difference in preventing the tyranny of the past from repeating. Follow the directions below to get started: Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text. HB673   & SB353 Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.

SB1599  is a good step towards eliminating wasteful spending in public employment positions within the state of Hawaii. By requiring the Director of Human Resources Development to abolish vacant positions that have remained unfilled for more than five years, the state can ensure a more efficient allocation of resources.  This measure also mandates transparency and accountability through annual reporting to the Legislature. The immediate lapsing of funds for abolished positions to the general fund promotes fiscal responsibility and creates an incentive for departments to streamline their staffing processes. SB1599  represents a proactive approach to optimizing the state's workforce management and budget utilization to benefit the citizens of Hawaii. How You Can Help: We need your help to cut government spending. Follow the directions below to get started: Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text. SB1599 Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.

Essentially, The proposed “Health Care Access Protection Act” intertwines politics with the Hawaii healthcare system to the extent of legalizing interstate kidnapping.  This bill threatens to empower state agencies to remove children from their homes based on controversial and subjective criteria, creating a jurisdictional quagmire that could lead to chaos by shielding the claim of gender-affirming care from all forms of scrutiny. The “Hawaii Kidnapping Act” was noticed by The Libertarian Party of Hawaii last year , when it was half the length it is today and labeled as HB2079. Our candidate for congress, Aaron Toman gave viewers a detailed breakdown of why HB2079 was problematic . Some of the most concerning wording remains the same: “ In making a determination under this section, a court shall not consider as a factor weighing against the petitioner any taking of the child, or retention of the child after a visit or other temporary relinquishment of physical custody, from the person who has legal custody if there is evidence that the taking or retention of the child was for the purposes of obtaining gender-affirming health care services for the child and the law or policy of the other state limits the ability of a parent to obtain gender-affirming health care services for the child ." (Page 52) To translate the legal jargon into simpler terms: it means as long as the kidnapper “claims” that the purpose of the abduction from the legal guardians was for the purpose of obtaining Gender Adfirming Care, the judge “shall not consider” the act of kidnapping “as a factor weighing against” the kidnapper. The bill permits state entities to intervene in family decisions which could lead to situations where loving parents are deemed unfit simply because they don’t support gender-affirming ideologies.  You Can Help: We need your help in preserving parental rights in Hawaii: Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s): SB1150  & HB615 Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.

Ryan Ralston, Volunteer Director at You Are the Power, is a steadfast advocate for effective reform within the criminal legal system, having dedicated a decade to volunteering with various civic organizations and non-profits throughout Georgia. For Ryan, the power of change lies in grassroots activism and voluntarism, a belief that has guided his actions and decisions. He firmly believes that these avenues yield more significant results for our communities than mandated government policies, and he is committed to Human Respect and focusing on positive solutions that return power to the individual. You Are The Power is a membership-based nonprofit organization founded and led by Spike Cohen . With a vast social media reach and connections across all 50 states, they are dedicated to promoting the Principle of Human Respect through activism and grassroots initiatives. Their mission includes empowering individuals to enact positive changes in their communities, fostering a network of like-minded activists, and educating the public on the importance of human respect. By focusing on decentralized, single-issue activism, You Are The Power aims to empower individuals to take control, restore individual rights, and challenge oppressive systems. Through their diverse team and dedicated volunteers, they work tirelessly to bring about positive change and spread the message of freedom and empowerment. Learn More Here Baseline membership is free, so join today: Become a Member of You Are the Power Once a member, you can stay up to date-and involved with issues in your community: Download the App & Stay Informed Virtual Meetings Link For your convenience, all of the above-mentioned online meetings have been set with the same Zoom ID: ZOOM LINK:    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8088081776?omn=85799680314 Meeting ID:   808 808 1776

SB1437   & HB1118  threaten to remove religious exemptions from the already draconian immunization requirements for school-aged children.  Let's not forget the unlawful mandates unnecessarily prolonged in Hawaii, preventing Hawaiians from continuing to work or live without explicit permission from the government. Let’s not forget the forceful implementation of a harmful and untested jab. We were forced to comply or to find other means to support our livelihood. Let’s not forget the censorship, the power-hungry authorities, and the fear-mongering narratives we were prohibited from speaking out against.  Perhaps most importantly, let's not forget the lengths our leaders have gone through to strip away our freedoms and rights under the assumption of an “emergency”. These emergency measures have not gone away, but have been fortified and bolstered since Covid-19.  The exemption is barely there as it stands. With the proposed legislation, what little protections parents have left, will be struck through: ”If any parent, custodian, guardian, or any other person in loco parentis to a child objects to immunization in writing on the grounds that the immunization conflicts with that person's bona   fide religious tenets and practices.  Upon showing the appropriate school official satisfactory evidence of the exemption, no certificate or other evidence of immunization shall be required for entry into school].“ The above text makes the only remaining approved exemption to be from an already compromised and conflicted healthcare provider’s signature of approval.  We should need no exemptions to exercise our rights in the first place. The fact that we do means Hawai has already traveled way too far down the road of tyranny. Our freedom of choice should be strengthened and bolstered by those who supposedly represent us, not eliminated . In a free society, individuals should have the prerogative to make informed decisions regarding their bodies and those of their children. Mandating medical procedures of any kind sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the principle of bodily autonomy. Parents have the inherent right to make decisions concerning the healthcare and well-being of their children. By eliminating all non-medical exemptions, these measures encroach on this vital freedom. Religious freedoms must be safeguarded. Many individuals hold sincere religious beliefs that conflict with certain medical interventions. Forcing compliance with immunization requirements without considering these deeply held convictions violates the religious liberty of the First Amendment. The heavy hand of government intervention in healthcare choices contradicts the principles of limited government and individual sovereignty. Libertarian philosophy values personal responsibility and self-determination, advocating for minimal state interference in matters of personal health. By imposing stringent immunization regulations, these bills expand the reach of government into the private lives of citizens. Remember, the true mark of a free society lies in the protection of individual rights and the preservation of personal choice. Our elected officials care nothing about religious freedoms, bodily autonomy, or parental rights.  How You Can Help: We need your help to stop forced vaccinations on Hawaii’s most valuable and vulnerable. Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   The stakes are too high and the consequences too dire to ignore. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and above all, stand firm in the defense of our fundamental freedoms.

That is no typo! You read that correctly. Thirty bills have been introduced in the 2025 Hawaii legislative session aimed at controlling how Hawaii chooses to conduct their celebrations.  History has informed us well on the unintended consequences of prohibition. Your elected representatives have a limited number of bills they can sponsor during each session, and instead of trying to defend our rights with legislation that matters like Defend the Guard , they are taking multiple shots at the same targets like 2nd Amendment  rights and at your holiday joy.  The proposed measures encompass a range of stringent actions. Key changes include the repeal of permissible uses of consumer fireworks and a ban on the sale, importation, personal use, and commercial use of all fireworks, except “consumer types (which they would like to also redefine)”. Funding would support police sting operations, while county police would be equipped with explosion detection technology and unmanned aerial vehicles. Inspections of personal aircraft and shipping containers would enhance enforcement, and educational programs on fireworks safety would be mandated in schools. General fireworks offenses and specific pyrotechnic activities would be criminalized, with strict prohibitions on distributing fireworks to non-permit holders and removing pyrotechnic contents. A statewide limitation would restrict consumer fireworks to use by permit, and there would be pension forfeiture for felony convictions related to illegal fireworks. These measures would increase fines for fireworks-related violations and establish penalties for refusing identification or violating carrier requirements. Newly defined criminal offenses and penalties have been introduced, along with an adjudication system for processing infractions. Funds would be appropriated for the illegal fireworks task force, which would have an extended expiration date. Civil actions for violations of the Fireworks Control Law would be established, alongside a Firework Forfeiture Special Fund for “community safety education”. How You Can Help: We need your help to stop this fortified battering ram of violating restrictions and prohibitions.  Below, we have listed each bill on the table aimed at stripping away at our culture and prosecuting the innocent.  Click on the hyperlinks to familiarize yourself with the bill text(s). Take action by speaking out against these movements.  Maps of districts and representative contact information can be found here.   The Thirty Bills & Summaries: SB222  & SB508  -  Appropriate funds for the illegal fireworks task force through 2027  Extends the sunset (expiration) date of the Act regarding task force to 6/30/2030. HB1005  &  SB1324  -  Amends multiple definitions and penalties for fireworks offenses, including heightened penalties if another person suffers substantial bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death as a result of the fireworks offenses.  Criminalizes offenses of general fireworks  articles pyrotechnic prohibitions in the first and second degree; Prohibits sending or receiving fireworks or articles of pyrotechnic by air delivery Bans distribution of fireworks or articles pyrotechnic to non-permit holder removal or extraction of pyrotechnic contents Prohibitions on consumer fireworks  Penalties for refusal to provide identification Penalties for violating requirements of carrier  Establishes an adjudication system and procedures to process fireworks infractions Appropriation of funds HB187  &  SB476  -  Increases fines that may be assessed against certain fireworks-related violations HB1483  - 77 pages long & 30 sponsors   Establishes an adjudication system and procedures to process fireworks infractions.   Amends multiple definitions and penalties for fireworks offenses Heightened penalties if another person suffers substantial bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death as a result of the fireworks offenses.   Establishes various criminal offenses and penalties related to fireworks or articles of pyrotechnics.   Appropriates funds. HB611   Prohibits the sale, importation, personal use, and commercial use of all fireworks, except consumer fireworks.  Removes permitting requirements for consumer fireworks. HB200  -  Imposes a statewide limitation on consumer fireworks, except by permit for use at cultural events. HB633  -  prohibits fireworks.  Imposes penalties. HB806  -  Appropriates funds for the Honolulu Police Department and Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oahu to enforce fireworks ordinances or laws.  Authorizes a court to order the forfeiture of one-half of any pension of an Employees' Retirement System member, former member, or retirant upon conviction of the individual for a felony related to certain uses of prohibited fireworks. HB55 -  Inflates certain fireworks-related offenses from misdemeanors to class C felonies. HB608  -  Establishes the shipping container inspection program Establishes a shipping container inspection program special fund.  Amends the definitions of "aerial devices" and "fireworks" within state fireworks law.  Requires reports to the Legislature on implementation of the shipping container inspection program.  Appropriates money. HB83  -  Increases penalties for certain fireworks violations Establishes higher penalties for subsequent violations.  Appropriates funds. HB1305  -  Requires the Department of Education, in coordination with the Department of Health, to develop a fireworks education and marketing program for implementation in public schools, including charter schools, and distribution to private schools. HB607  -  Establishes the Class A felony-level offense of serious bodily injury or death resulting from fireworks. HB895  -  Appropriates money to the county police departments to enforce applicable fireworks laws HB550  -  Allows video recordings made by law enforcement agencies who are using, controlling, or operating unmanned aerial vehicles to establish probable cause for an arrest under the Fireworks Control Law if the unmanned aerial vehicle is recording directly above a public park, street, sidewalk, easement, or any public property and the act leading to the arrest is committed on a public street, sidewalk, or other public property.  Appropriates funds to the Department of Law Enforcement to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor the use of illegal fireworks. SB649  -  Requires the Department of Transportation to inspect personal aircraft that enter the State and land at state airports to prevent the unauthorized transportation of fireworks and article pyrotechnic into the State.  Requires the Department to coordinate with an appropriate law enforcement agency or county fire department to dispose of prohibited fireworks and articles of pyrotechnic. SB207  -  Requires the Department of Transportation to install and use at each state airport and commercial harbor electronic equipment capable of scanning for illegal fireworks. SB192  -  Requires the county police departments to purchase and deploy explosion detection technology equipment to assist in the location of and response to explosions caused by the illegal use of firearms and fireworks.  Appropriates money to the counties as a grant in aid. SB1295  -  Establishes within the Department of Transportation the container licensing program to mitigate the influx of illegal contraband into the State.  Imposes a nominal licensing fee of $1 per container.  Subjects all containers entering the State to inspections  Authorizes the seizure of contraband. SB413  -  Establishes a civil cause of action that may be brought by any person, other than an officer or employee of the State or employee of a local governmental entity in the State, for certain violations of the Fireworks Control Law Establishes a civil cause of action for aiding or abetting certain violations of the Fireworks Control Law SB1615  -  Requires the Department of Education, in coordination with the Department of Health, to develop a fireworks education and marketing program for implementation in public schools, including charter schools, and distribution to private schools. SB1052  -  Reduces the offense of purchasing, possessing, setting off, igniting, or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks, or articles pyrotechnic under a weight of twenty-five pounds without a valid permit to a civil violation. SB227  -  Establishes the Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division within the Department of Law Enforcement.  Appropriates funds.  Sunsets (expiration) 6/30/2028. SB1226  -  Establishes the Shipping Container Inspection Program.  Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to submit reports to the Legislature on the implementation of the Shipping Container Inspection Program.  Appropriates funds. SB302  & HB414  -  Amends the definition of "cultural".  Prohibits the use of consumer fireworks except for cultural use by permit.  Repeals wording that generally allows the use of consumer fireworks without a permit on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the Fourth of July.  Makes it unlawful to offer, display for sale, sell, or furnish consumer fireworks to any person except for cultural use by permit.  Prohibits the sale of fireworks to a person more than 5 calendar days before a permitted cultural use.  Imposes a fee of $25 per permit for the purchase and cultural use of consumer fireworks.  Imposes a statewide limitation on consumer fireworks, except by permit for cultural use. SB999  - Repeals all permissible uses of consumer fireworks Makes conforming amendments to the Fireworks Control Law.  Establishes civil penalties for the use and sale of consumer fireworks, including nuisance abatement proceedings and forfeiture of assets used in the commission of the illegal use or sale of consumer fireworks.  Establishes the Firework Forfeiture Special Fund to deposit asset forfeiture proceeds and to provide for community safety education programs. Take action by speaking out against these movements.

The Liberty Movement is a rapidly growing grassroots effort to uphold individual liberty as the guiding principle in politics and economics, both in America and globally. This concept stretches back through human history, but its modern resurgence has been gaining traction since around 1970. The movement's primary focus has historically been working within the narrow framework of the electoral process. However, this approach has largely fallen short. This is where James Ostrowski comes in. His book titled “ Direct Citizen Action:  How We Can Win the Second American Revolution Without Firing a Shot ” is a concise strategy manual for those who want America to be a free country again. Ostrowski explains what you can do right now to restore American liberty. He will be addressing how the Liberty Movement can be applied in Hawaii to shift its focus towards more direct, citizen-led tactics to advance the cause of liberty.  We encourage everyone to attend this upcoming event and learn how Hawaii can take meaningful, actionable steps to secure the liberties that are the birthright of all people.  Learn More Here Virtual Meetings Link For your convenience, all of the above-mentioned online meetings have been set with the same Zoom ID: ZOOM LINK:    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8088081776?omn=85799680314 Meeting ID:   808 808 1776 Join the Libertarian Party of Hawaii today!

Opinion. In a recent interview with Fox News , President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Trump rightly emphasized the importance of allowing states to take the lead in disaster response efforts as he brought up a decentralized alternative that would allow states to handle emergencies locally. What a novel idea! This is the angle Libertarians have been proposing for decades. Disaster relief is a critical requirement for effective local governance.  The Governor’s Grievances Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green quickly responded in various news outlets including a Hawaii News Now article  where he calls the President’s words an “absurd attack”: “ Without FEMA and the expertise and the billions of dollars that they brought to us, we would have had thousands of additional homeless individuals,” Green said. “We would have not been able to structure our recovery in a thoughtful way.  (Governor Josh Green)” Governor Green admits to the inability of the state of Hawaii to handle a natural disaster, stating that the results would have been even worse under his authority. Keep in mind the context: under Trump’s proposal, better funding could theoretically be available to the states for their management, rather than being centrally managed by the Federal Govermemnt. Is Josh Green admitting that the Hawaii State Government is incompetent to protect its own citizens from a natural disaster?  Is Dr. Josh Green using his administration's failures as a reason to support being governed by foreign bureaucrats, all while using our tax money to make frivolous attacks on the incoming administration in our name?  According to a federal report, homelessness in Hawaii  rose 87% in the last year following the Maui wildfires. Green is saying this number would have been even higher without FEMA’s fumbled response. In one regard, he could be right, but if so, that is a sad state of affairs. It means Josh Green’s administration is at peace with the fact that they cannot provide the most basic and essential of government services. Over-reliance on federal aid has replaced the independent state preparedness model. States have become far too dependent on federal-level responses which has led to an erosion of local humanitarian efforts and community resilience. This more centralized approach has devastated the sense of local responsibility, self-sufficiency, and collective support that are the natural result of effective disaster response at the grassroots level.  In short, the common aloha of yesterday has been altogether replaced by a cold and inefficient federal bureaucracy.  Solution: Self-Sufficiency Only Locals are uniquely equipped with personal insight into our own culture, infrastructure, and social challenges, making us well-positioned to deliver swift and compassionately tailored responses to disasters in our community. Recent disasters like Lahaina have repeatedly shown us how local responses are always superior to federal bureaucracy. We have seen how tragically unhelpful the federal responses can be, and how profoundly they fail at their most basic missions. The lesson we should have learned from Lahaina is that no one is coming to save us: it’s up to our own local communities to come together in a disaster. Josh Green should have learned this lesson better than anyone, but apparently, he feels no responsibility for his failures - and instead proffers them as a reason to let us be dependent and neglectfully ruled by foreigners overseas.  This discussion should be fueling a drive in our governor and in our communities to find self-sufficient solutions. By decentralizing disaster responses, Hawaii’s island communities could leverage their proximity to affected areas and their nuanced understanding of local needs to facilitate quicker and more effective relief.  Do you remember those local volunteers and boaters who risked everything to deliver real aid to real people in Lahaina, actually saving lives, while FEMA was actively trying to stop them and confiscate the aid? FEMA's struggle to effectively manage disasters such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with the Maui wildfires, has unveiled a pattern of call center issues, staffing challenges, and difficulties in providing timely assistance to survivors. Worse still, locals have been told in many states they cannot help their neighbors without getting FEMA approval. The Maui wildfires, in particular, serve as a poignant example of government failure during emergency situations.  Acknowledging these shortcomings and addressing these systemic issues with tailored, state-level solutions is essential to having a more effective, individualized, and agile disaster response framework. Ask yourself - is this even leadership?  And where are his real critics anyway? Hawaii’s media outlets refrain from “making waves”, and as a result, the problems and corruption have festered behind the scenes for years. So where are all the other critics? It’s a mystery.  If Hawaii becomes actively engaged in managing the disasters that impact themselves personally, they will be empowered to develop proactive strategies for preparedness, response, and recovery. Perhap’s that is what worries Hawaii’s governor the most.  ~ Written by Abbra Green & Austin Martin

Ryan Ralston, Volunteer Director at You Are the Power, is a steadfast advocate for effective reform within the criminal legal system, having dedicated a decade to volunteering with various civic organizations and non-profits throughout Georgia. For Ryan, the power of change lies in grassroots activism and voluntarism, a belief that has guided his actions and decisions. He firmly believes that these avenues yield more significant results for our communities than mandated government policies, and he is committed to Human Respect and focusing on positive solutions that return power to the individual. You Are The Power is a membership-based nonprofit organization founded and led by Spike Cohen . With a vast social media reach and connections across all 50 states, they are dedicated to promoting the Principle of Human Respect through activism and grassroots initiatives. Their mission includes empowering individuals to enact positive changes in their communities, fostering a network of like-minded activists, and educating the public on the importance of human respect. By focusing on decentralized, single-issue activism, You Are The Power aims to empower individuals to take control, restore individual rights, and challenge oppressive systems. Through their diverse team and dedicated volunteers, they work tirelessly to bring about positive change and spread the message of freedom and empowerment. Learn More Here Baseline membership is free, so join today: Become a Member of You Are the Power Once a member, you can stay up to date-and involved with issues in your community: Download the App & Stay Informed Join us for a roundtable discussion with Ryan Ralston on February 3, 2025 at 7pm HST. Virtual Meetings Link For your convenience, all of the above-mentioned online meetings have been set with the same Zoom ID: ZOOM LINK:    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8088081776?omn=85799680314 Meeting ID:   808 808 1776

We are excited to announce the launch of our LPHI Defend Hawaii Activism Packet, designed to equip Hawaii with the tools needed to defend Hawaii's National Guard. This comprehensive resource is packed with everything you need to engage with legislators, rally support, and elevate your advocacy efforts. The Defend Hawaii Act blocks federal deployment of the Hawaii National Guard unless Congress explicitly authorizes it under the Constitution. It requires the Governor's consent and Legislative oversight for any federal mandate, including out-of-state missions within the US. It keeps our Guard focused on local priorities. State disaster response should be the National Guard's main mission, rather than endless wars and unauthorized interstate activations. This Act fights federal overreach by enforcing the Tenth Amendment and limiting executive power grabs that erode liberty. The Defend Hawaii Act protects service members and locals in need of emergency aid from unjustified endangerment. Prevent unauthorized interventions abroad or across states. Reserve our Guardsmen for Hawaii's needs. They are our literal lifeline in times of crises like hurricanes and wildfires. Promote peace through constitutional accountability. “ The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. ”( — U.S. Constitution, Amendment X) True security comes from decentralized authority, not centralized control. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii crafted this bill proposal to reclaim state sovereignty and end the chokehold of the military-industrial complex. War and interstate deployment decisions belong to Congress and state leaders, not one U.S. president alone. We aim to equip you with the tools needed to defend Hawaii confidently and effectively. The Defend Hawaii Activism Packet has everything you need to hit the ground running to defend our Guard and uphold the Constitution. What's Inside: How-to Guide : Navigate the activism packet with ease and make the most of its resources. Talking Points & FAQ: Hold meaningful conversations and equip yourself with the information necessary to effectively defend our Guardsmen. Bill Text : Stay informed and engaged with the latest legislation affecting our community. Template Letter:  Craft powerful messages to communicate your positions effectively. Template Testimony: Testify with confidence this upcoming legislative session. Tri-fold Pamphlet: Share stylish and informative handouts. Sign-up Sheet: Gather support and build a strong network of like-minded individuals. Representatives & Senators by District:  Know your elected officials and how to connect with them effectively. LPHI Support Contact: Reach out to our dedicated support team for updates, guidance, and assistance. Let's work together to shape a brighter and freer future for the Hawaiian armed forces. Defend Hawaii, uphold the Constitution, and protect the Guard. Download your free activism packet now and let's make a real difference, one voice at a time! Download Your Activism Packet If you need any further assistance or have any questions, feel free to Contact Us.

A Combined Business Meeting  will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025,  at 7:00 pm. The Public Relations Committee and the Financial Committee will be jointly meeting with a heavy emphasis on fundraisers & membership recruitment on the upcoming agendas. Transparency and membership involvement are behind everything we do, and we encourage open dialogue and active participation among all LPHI members. Virtual Meetings Link For your convenience, all of the above-mentioned online meetings have been set with the same Zoom ID: ZOOM LINK:    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8088081776?omn=85799680314 Meeting ID:   808 808 1776 Not a member yet? Sign up here. Or for members: Check out our volunteer sign up form

Opinion. The tragic New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in Honolulu was a devastating incident for those involved. Attempts to ban or heavily restrict fireworks in Hawaii are not new - in fact, they have a long and complicated history. In the early 20th century, some Hawaiian territories and counties passed laws limiting the sale and use of fireworks, similar to the national prohibition on alcohol. However, these bans often proved ineffective, as residents continued to obtain fireworks, creating a thriving black market. In the 1990s, for example, lawmakers outlawed the personal use of aerial fireworks and limited the types of fireworks deemed permissible. Enforcing these new laws was challenging, with many residents continuing to defy these rules. Similar to the prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th century, efforts to crack down on illegal fireworks have often resulted in unintended consequences that exacerbate the problem. In the 1920s, when the federal government banned the production, importation, and sale of alcohol, it led to the rise of organized crime and a thriving black market for bootleg liquor. Hawaii clearly has not learned its lesson, and the current laws banning the personal use of large aerial fireworks have not stopped residents from obtaining them through other means. Bans and restrictions on the use of fireworks in Hawaii have done little to curb their proliferation. Despite the creation of a fireworks task force that has seized over 227,000 pounds of “illicit explosives” (according to this AP article ) , fireworks-related incidents have continued to increase, with a 30% rise in fires compared to the previous New Year's celebrations. This suggests that the current prohibitive approach has been altogether ineffective. Past patterns of failed attempts to ban high-demand products do little more than further fuel consumer demands. The cultural significance of fireworks in Hawaii, which spans diverse ethnic communities, complicates enforcement efforts. Many residents view the use of fireworks as an important tradition and part of their cultural identity. Aggressive crackdowns are rightly viewed as an attack on these cultural practices, leading to further resistance and resentment. A heavy-handed enforcement approach is not the solution. Instead, a more nuanced and collaborative approach that addresses the root causes, such as improving public education or providing safe and legal alternatives may yield better results. The north star here is for the government to legalize personal freedom and stop trying to regulate the free market. The consistent result of such well-intended intervention in the free economic choices of individuals is blowback, or unintended consequences often worse than the original problem. The “answer” proposed by statists is to give the government more power to restrict liberty - which completes the vicious feedback loop. This is not the answer. The government would do far better to remove the ban, and instead focus on the use of fireworks in places or situations which are objectively dangerous, such as large fireworks launched from dense neighborhoods, where the risks are greatest, as opposed to a blanket ban, which requires no “reasonableness” standard in enforcement, leading to large reductions in freedom, safety, and enforcement capability. As C. S. Lewis stated: “ Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be "cured" against one's will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals .“ ~Austin Martin, Libertarian Hawaii Chairman ~Abbra Green, Libertarian Hawaii Secretary