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.

After explosions set off by fireworks in New Year's celebrations in Honolulu killed three women and injured more than 20 people, including children, authorities and residents now wonder whether the toll will dissuade people from putting on such shows in the future or whether it will prompt more effective efforts by police to crack down.