As they light up the night sky, on Guam, fireworks have also lit a fuse under public safety concerns.

Just over one year since the 37th Guam Legislature legalized consumer-grade fireworks as “safe and sane” through Public Law 37-47, lawmakers are reconsidering their decision.

Bill co-sponsor Senator Telo Taitague said, “Let me be clear. Consumer grade fireworks are dangerous, often fatal, and come with devastating consequences when mishandled.”

A video taken from Santa Rosa Hill in Yigo shown during the hearing displayed just how chaotic things have become with unregulated fireworks for sale.

As KUAM reported earlier this year, eight people, including four children, were injured after an improvised New Year’s Day fireworks show in Yigo.

“Here on Guam the danger is even more pronounced because we lack critical healthcare facilities like a burn unit,” Taitague added.

Support for the repeal even coming from within the professional fireworks industry.

Jeff Sanchez, owner of Showpro Pyrotech, said legalizing fireworks without proper rules was a dangerous mistake.

“So, our stance on it is we support the repeal,” said Sanchez. “What I told the last legislature was, to pass a bill without rules or regulations was very reckless. It’s like putting the cart before the horse.”

Acting Director of the Department of Agriculture, Christine Camacho, warned that fireworks could increase wildfire risk.

“The proposed bill will support reducing our wildfire risk,” said Christine Camacho. “We do not have naturally occurring wildfires on Guam. All of Guam’s wildfires are human-caused.”

And with Guam entering the dry season, Assistant Fire Chief Edward Artero cautions that fireworks, even firecrackers, could easily set areas ablaze.

“If the conditions are right, it can start a fire. Definitely,” said Artero.

Discussing safer alternatives like drone shows and debris-less fireworks, Bill co-sponsor Senator Sabina Perez saying, “When you label something as safe and sane, it gives the perception that it is safe and sane, but the international fire chief stated that there is no such thing.”

As the island braces for hotter months ahead, the debate on Bill 20 continues.

Repeal supporters said the choice is simple: Protect lives, land, and the people of Guam.