by Andrew Walden

Honolulu’s oft-criticized gun registration system is getting a makeover after Corporation Counsel agreed to settle a federal lawsuit filed by two Oahu gun owners.

Alan Beck, attorney for plaintiffs Todd Yukutake and David Kikukawa, explains:  “We just entered into a settlement with the City  From now on everyone who is in line at HPD's firearms registration department by 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays will be served. Secondly, HPD will be implementing a new system to email completed permits to acquire to applicants so they don't have to go back to the station to pick them up.”

Related claims against the State of Hawaii remain pending.

The settlement agreement in Yukutake v Connors states:

7. Firearms Permit Unit, starting no later than June 3, 2020, shall maintain operating hours on Wednesdays of 7:45a.m. to 6:30p.m., on the condition that firearm applicants in line by 6:30p.m. will be processed and not turned away.

8. EMAILING PERMITS. Releasee further agrees that after permits to acquire a firearm are processed by the FPU, the FPU will email permits to acquire a firearm to the applicants, starting no later than December 31, 2021.

Beck and co-counsel Stephen Stamboulieh were also awarded $8,105.47 attorneys’ fees.

The Honolulu Council approved CR133, authorizing the settlement agreement, at its June 3, 2020 meeting.

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PDF:  Yukutake Settlement

2019: Levinson: Ballard's Second Amendment Stance 'Could Precipitate Legal Catastrophe'

HIFICO: Yukutake v Connors (registration and permit law)