Safe and sane consumer fireworks once again legal on Guam

GUAM—Guam families will have a blast at their next gathering as “safe and sane” consumer-grade fireworks are once again legal on the island, thanks to a bill authored by Democrat Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas being signed into law on Nov. 10, 2023, by the governor.

“Today, I am thrilled to share the good news that Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has signed Bill 9-37 into Guam law, allowing island residents to once again use consumer fireworks safely,” said San Nicolas. “I want to thank the island’s chief executive, my legislative colleagues and cosponsors who voted to pass the bill, allowing me to fulfill my promise to the people of Guam, and that 12-year-old child from a long time ago to legalize safe and sane consumer fireworks. Now, we can all celebrate safely like our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. We share the same demographic, same culture, same language, and now the same means to celebrate.”

Bill 9-37, now known as Public Law 37-47, legalizes and regulates the use of consumer fireworks in Guam.

This law will not just generate new business opportunities for Guam but allow the community to use real and safe consumer fireworks at their next gathering with family and friends, according to San Nicolas.

“As we know, minors would steal their parents’ firearms and shoot them in the air as a substitute for fireworks during celebrations, which is illegal and far more dangerous. Legalizing consumer fireworks will no longer force our youth to resort to firearms, ending concern for public safety and security at gatherings,” he said. “In addition to enhancing familial get-togethers, the law will create new avenues for entrepreneurs to capitalize on the need to import and sell these fireworks, contributing to the island’s economy.”

With the bill being signed into law, San Nicolas advises the community to practice safe usage of consumer fireworks year-round.

It was passed by the 37th Guam Legislature with nine votes on Oct. 31, 2023, during legislative session at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna. The eight other senators who joined San Nicolas in voting to pass the bill were vice speaker Sen. Tina Muna Barnes and Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Roy A.B. Quinata, Amanda Shelton, William Parkinson, Christopher Duenas, Jesse Lujan, and Thomas Fisher.

The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Speaker Therese Terlaje, Barnes, San Agustin, Quinata, Parkinson, Lujan, and Fisher. (PR)