A bill to bring back the days when you could buy fireworks at the store went up for a public hearing today.

The measure by freshman Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas would once again legalize consumer-grade fireworks. He says it will promote family bonding during holiday celebrations, and create business opportunities for retailers to sell what he remembers was once very popular.

"Ever since I was 12 years old they made fireworks illegal, and up until then, my dad would take me down to Acme, just like many other dads of that generation would take them down and get fireworks, you know get bottle rockets, smoke bombs, trick gum," he shared. "Acme was one of the best places on island to have fun, you know."

Guam Fire Department acting chief Joey San Nicolas says GFD is neutral on the bill, but because of safety concerns, strict regulations for retailers and consumers are needed.

"However, GFD will enforce the law if passed by this legislature and signed by the governor of Guam, but we must be afforded an opportunity to research and maybe implement new fees and fines as part of our overall fees and fines update with a comprehensive program to regulate the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks." 

Retailers would have to be licensed, and receive training from the fire department.

And children under the age of 18 would be prohibited from having or igniting consumer fireworks.