HRA Alert: Update, Bills & Hearings

by Dr. Maxwell Cooper, Hawaii Rifle Association Legislative Liaison, March 4, 2015

HB837, Balanced testimony on criminalizing the offer of ivory for sale in Hawaii was heard in House JUD.  The Committee expressed concerns about the taking of value by this ban on intrastate transfer of old ivory and heirloom pieces.  Decision was deferred until Thursday March 3, Rm 325,at 2:15pm.

HB888, creating a petty misdemeanor for a person who recklessly possesses a loaded firearm while intoxicated on alcohol or drugs was passed with appropriate amendments announced by JUD Chair Rhoads to include precision language as to .08 alcohol blood levels, and deleting reference to prescription drugs.  A House Draft 1 will cross to the Senate with clarifying language as to immediate (in hand) possession, deleting "intent to possess" and "shared possession."  It's our old nemesis, former Honolulu Prosecutor and Mayor Peter Carlisle's bill, his answer to the homicide by federal agent Deedy.

SB 1071, firearms permits for permanent resident aliens, passed Senate JDL unamended and crosses to the House.

SB955, Senate JDL Chair, Sen. Keith-Agaran, declined to schedule this bill protecting shooting ranges from nuisance lawsuits, and it dies for this year.  Introduced by Sen. Sam Slom and Sen. Mike Gabbard.  It can be resurrected in the 2016 session.

SB473, LEOSA, is amended by Sen. Keith-Agaran's JDL Committee, to continue the responsibility of the Attorney General's office for carry permits for retired law enforcement officers.  The AG's administration of the program has discouraged participation by LEO's to date. The bill crosses to the House.  HRA will continue to advocate enactment of HRS statutory language requiring the AG to administer the program in accordance with the intent of this 12-year old Federal mandate.

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