COURTESY STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT Approximately 24 tons of fireworks were seized in a shipping container by the Illegal Fireworks Task Force in February 2023. The seizure consisted of aerial shells in varying sizes.

"The analysis of these explosive materials is something that's required for prosecution and for timely prosecution, which is why something that we want to establish."

After explosions set off by fireworks in New Year's celebrations in Honolulu killed three women and injured more than 20 people, including children, authorities and residents now wonder whether the toll will dissuade people from putting on such shows in the future or whether it will prompt more effective efforts by police to crack down.