by Andrew Walden

Hundreds of local hunters and their supporters rallied at the Capitol today as at least one Senator backed away from a gun control measure he had earlier introduced.  Called together as part of 50 state rallies organized Saturday January 19 by ‘Guns Across America’, local residents including members of the Hawaii Rifle Association, 2A Forum, Lessons in Firearm Education, and others cheered as passing motorists honked in support.

Second Amendment defenders face several challenges as legislators seek to exploit the Connecticut massacre: 

Andy Mirikitani co-conspirator, Rep Karl Rhoads, who last session pushed legislation favoring pill-mill operators, has introduced HB30, a bullet control bill.  

SB219, a so-called ‘assault’ weapons ban has been put forth by Sen Les Ihara.  But Ihara is already backing away.  According to West Hawaii Today, “Ihara, who represents Oahu’s 10th District, introduced (SB219) on behalf of a constituent but is not supportive of the proposal, according to his staff. He’s the bill’s only sponsor.” 

Senate Bill 36 introduced by Senators Nishihara, Waikai, and Keith-Agaran:

“Requires annual renewals of firearm registrations. Establishes a firearm registration fee for deposit into a new special fund to pay for mandatory firearm education and training to be attended by firearm owners at least once every two years. Requires any member of a household where a firearm is stored, when applying for a firearm permit to possess a firearm owned by another, to undergo the same evaluation of fitness to acquire a firearm as applicants for a firearm owner permit. Requires firearm owners who have a household member affected by substance abuse or mental disorder to provide annual proof to the police that the household member does not have access to the firearm.”

Senate Bill 69, introduced by Senators Espero, Baker, Galuteria, and Green, would allocate $100,000 for a gun buy-back program.  Green teamed up with Rhoads in the pill mill push last session.

Eric Reed of Guns Across America explains: “Our goal is to unite gun owners behind a singular message of protecting our Second Amendment rights.  We hope citizens will become more vocal and active politically in regards to any changes in gun control laws.”

According to news reports, rallies drew hundreds of participants in State Capitols nationwide.  

Find out more at: Guns Across America Hawaii

HR VIDEO: Interview with HRA President Harvey Gerwig

SA Editorial: Some limits on firearms make sense

KHON Video: Pro-gun activists rally at State Capitol