FIREWORKS PROVE PORT SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED COUNCILMEMBER PINE SEEKS AUDIT OF HARBOR INSPECTION PROCEDURES

News Release from Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine, February 3, 2020

HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I — Citing the island-wide displays of illegal aerial fireworks seen on New Year’s Eve, illegal drugs and other contraband coming into Hawai‘i, Councilmember Kym Pine is urging the Hawai‘i State Legislature to request an audit of harbor inspection procedures.

“New Year’s Eve was just one of many indications that the inspection process is lacking, which is how illegal goods are coming into the state through our ports. We have seen an increase in gun violence, drug addiction is an epidemic and we are at high-risk for suffering from toxic substances and agricultural invasive species that can hurt our environment,” said Councilmember Pine.

“Our ports could be easily managed with enforcement of existing laws and proper inspections,” she said.

The measure will be heard at the next meeting of the Committee on Executive Matters and Legal Affairs at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Honolulu Hale in the Committee Meeting Room (second floor).

PDF:  Resolution 20-16