San Nicolas bill legalizing fireworks finally makes session agenda for October

GUAM—Democrat Sen. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas, with the support of eight of his legislative colleagues, successfully got Bill 9-37 onto the regular session agenda for October, during session on Oct. 9, 2023, at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna.

Bill 9-37 is an act to legalize and regulate the use of consumer-grade fireworks, introduced by Sen. San Nicolas in January 2023.

“I want to make Guam fun again,” said Sen. San Nicolas, author of Bill 9-37, who’s been waiting for a form of this bill to be introduced since he was 12 years old. “I want to bring back something from my childhood. I know children and everybody would love and enjoy this, as consumer-grade fireworks are already legal in Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”

Joining San Nicolas, the eight other senators who voted to place the bipartisan bill onto the regular session agenda are Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Roy A.B. Quinata, William Parkinson, Chris Barnett, Thomas Fisher, Jesse Lujan, and Christopher Duenas.

If passed into Guam law, this bill will allow the use of consumer-grade fireworks in Guam.

The 37th Guam Legislature finds that numerous statutes have been enacted to strictly regulate the importation, sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks.

Consumer-grade fireworks were once legal on the island where families bonded during the holidays to enhance gatherings.

This bill, if passed into Guam law, will also create avenues for the residents of the island to open businesses that will sell these fireworks, aiding and promoting economic development in Guam. Legalizing consumer-grade fireworks will create business opportunities for entrepreneurs to capitalize on the need to import and sell these fireworks, contributing to the island’s economy.

Although there is concern for public safety and security with the use of consumer-grade fireworks, this will prevent illegal and dangerous practice of using firearms as a substitute for fireworks.

Additionally, minors shall only be allowed to ignite or set offconsumer fireworks under expressed permission and immediate supervision and control of parents, guardians, or a supervising adult.

San Nicolas’ bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Speaker Terlaje, Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, Sens. San Agustin, Quinata, Parkinson, Lujan, and Fisher. (PR)