Statement on SB2151

News Release from HIFICO, Feb 22, 2026

We have received numerous messages expressing concern that SB2151 is an attack on firearms or the Second Amendment. After carefully reviewing the bill in full, we want to address those concerns directly.

The firearm language referenced in SB2151 is not new authority. It already exists in Chapter 127A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Most importantly, §134-7.2 remains fully intact. That statute explicitly prohibits the seizure or confiscation of firearms or ammunition from lawful owners during an emergency and prohibits the suspension or revocation of valid firearm permits. Lawful ownership and lawful carrying during a declared emergency are already protected under current law, and SB2151 does not repeal or override those protections.

The bill specifically states that emergency powers operate “except as provided in section 134-7.2,” which means those protections remain in place. SB2151 does not authorize confiscation from lawful gun owners, nor does it authorize the suspension of valid permits. Claims suggesting otherwise are not supported by the text of the bill.

The primary focus of SB2151 is emergency governance. It addresses how emergencies are declared and terminated, clarifies definitions within Chapter 127A, and includes provisions related to public records and agency response deadlines during emergency periods. The core policy discussion is about emergency management structure and governmental accountability — not an attack on lawful firearm ownership.

We encourage everyone to read proposed legislation carefully and review the actual statutory language. Social media commentary often isolates phrases without context. Informed civic engagement requires looking at the full bill and understanding how it interacts with existing law before drawing conclusions.

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HEARING ALERT: HB206 will be heard on 02/26 at 2:00 PM before the House Finance Committee.

News Release from HIFICO, Feb 26, 2026

HB206 would expand and fund the State’s red flag law system by allocating additional taxpayer money for court processing and public promotion of firearm confiscation petitions. Instead of fixing problems or strengthening due process protections, this bill focuses on growing and advertising the program.

We are asking supporters to submit testimony in opposition, with a strong focus on the financial impact.

Hawaiʻi already has tools in place to disarm genuinely dangerous individuals — including criminal statutes and protective orders — that contain established due process protections. Expanding and promoting an additional system that has not shown public demand is unnecessary and wasteful.

At a time when our state faces serious budget priorities, spending more taxpayer money on something that is unwanted and redundant is not responsible governance.

Please take a few minutes to submit testimony in opposition and make your voice heard.

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SB2575 is moving, and we need your voice.

News Release from HIFICO, Feb 26, 2026

This bill goes too far and creates harsh, unnecessary penalties that will impact law-abiding citizens.

Why we oppose SB2575:

• Expands firearm penalties based on mere alcohol “consumption” — not actual impairment.

• Punishes individuals who use legally prescribed medications for chronic medical conditions.

• Upgrades some violations to a Class A felony — typically reserved for the most serious crimes.

• Attaches a mandatory 20-year sentence, removing judicial discretion and potentially making convictions less likely.

• Targets status rather than actual dangerous conduct.

We support punishing reckless and violent behavior — but this bill overreaches and creates disproportionate penalties that do not improve public safety.

Please submit testimony in opposition before the March 3rd hearing.

Make your voice heard.