A Honolulu City councilmember said weak city fireworks laws do not align with state regulations, so there is now a push to increase penalties for people who use, possess or sell illegal fireworks. The incentive comes after the deadly explosion on New Year’s Day.

Hawaii authorities are asking lawmakers for money to hire eight people and pay for a $2 million expansion of a forensic lab to crack down on the rampant smuggling of illegal fireworks.

Trying to combat illegal fireworks has been an annual tradition for Hawaii lawmakers in recent years as household use of contraband pyrotechnics causes pervasive harm.

State officials have released information on an upcoming illegal fireworks amnesty program. Officials from the State Department of Law Enforcement, Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu police and more will team up on Saturday,