AFTER reading an online article regarding H.B. 15-201, which relates to fireworks, I just had to comment.
I feel that the misuse of fireworks is an issue that really needs to be addressed. With the increase of injuries within the past year, and the skyrocketing complaints regarding fireworks, our representatives have a good reason for passing the bill.
But I feel that H.B. 15-201 should be modified so that there would be a better understanding between the two parties—those for it and those against it.
I have a few recommendations that I am asking our representatives to consider:
• Require a permit to obtain any type of fireworks.
• Ban all fireworks without proper warning labels.
• Apply a curfew on the usage of such items.
• Restrict any sales to minors.
• Restrict any child under the age of 14 from igniting any type of fireworks.
The complete ban of fireworks is not a really good solution. We have to take into consideration the ethnicity that celebrates with fireworks, and we should not apply any measure that would offend any culture or person. But we need to understand that there are some people that just do not enjoy the sounds of the BIG BANG, so we really need to keep them in mind. It is not just us people that are affected by fireworks — animals, too, act in a strange ways when fireworks are being blown up all over.
Therefore I ask that the House take into consideration the opinions of the people. We need to get perceptive so that we all can come to an agreement. And we should act not just in the interest of a few people, but all the people of the CNMI. Let’s start small before we jump to heights that we do not agree on.

DWAYNE DAVIS
Dandan, Saipan