Gov. Linda Lingle has signed legislation aimed at cracking down on the importation, sale and transfer of illegal fireworks.

The measure expands the definition of fireworks to include products labeled or sold as samples, and gives citizens who identify illegal sales the same rights and protections as victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings.

The bill also allows authorities to seek forfeiture of property used in the commission or attempted commission of illegal fireworks activity, or of proceeds the activity produced.

Lingle is still considering another measure that would give Hawaii's four county governments the authority to ban fireworks.

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The bill is HB 1987.