Six individuals allegedly linked to a fireworks explosion in Honolulu on New Year's Eve have been arrested. The incident resulted in the deaths of three women, one man, and a 3-year-old boy, while injuring approximately 20 others. Police, led by homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes, arrested two couples on Wednesday and another couple the previous Friday, with more arrests anticipated. A total of 500 pounds of unused fireworks were seized from the blast site.
The suspects face allegations of first-degree reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a minor, and multiple fireworks offenses. Manslaughter remains a potential charge, as authorities delve into how the fireworks were procured, with assistance from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Governor Josh Green has proposed revisions to Hawaii's fireworks enforcement laws, suggesting $300 citations for violators and the possibility of Class A felony charges for severe injuries or fatalities caused by fireworks. The state's Department of Law Enforcement seeks $5.2 million to hire eight personnel and expand a forensic lab to combat the smuggling of fireworks.
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The AP notes the cultural entrenchment of illegal fireworks in Hawaii, particularly around year-end. Enforcement is challenging due to the destruction of evidence upon ignition and witness hesitancy to testify. Says Thoemmes, "We are recovering more evidence and identifying more individuals. As a result, additional arrests will be forthcoming." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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