Hawaii: Anti-Gun Legislation Passes Committee

From NRA-ILA, February 23, 2017

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee met for a decision making hearing on Senate Bill 898.  During the hearing, no oral testimony was permitted; however, many provided written testimony in opposition, pointing out the many flaws and constitutional concerns.  Despite this strong opposition, the committee passed the bill with technical amendments.  This was the final committee hurdle before heading to the floor.  While the bill has not been scheduled for a vote yet, it is imperative that you contact your state Senator and urge them to oppose this misguided gun-control bill. Please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Senator! 

SB 898, sponsored by state Senator Ronald Kouchi (D-8), would permanently strip an individual of their Second Amendment rights, not based on a criminal conviction or mental adjudication, but based on a quasi-criminal proceeding.  The bill allows for firearms to be seized based on an ex-parte warrant application based on the low evidentiary standard of probable cause.  An individual is entitled to a hearing, however that hearing may not take place for up to 30 days.  At the hearing, the seized firearms can be retained and a permanent firearm prohibition can be put in place, not because of a disqualifying offense but merely the risk of one.  No one wants dangerous individuals to have access to firearms; however, this is not about dangerous people.  This bill sets to ignore the normal rules of criminal procedure in order to promote the anti-gun agenda of the political elites and others.

Additionally, Senate Bill 1036, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with amendments. The bill, sponsored by state Senator Clarence Nishihara (D-13), would allow firearm owners who have failed to register their firearms within the required five day time period to do so without fear of penalty.

Once again, please click the “Take Action” button above to contact your state Senator and urge them to oppose SB 898 when it comes up for a floor vote in the Senate.