Keeping Hawai‘i protected through gun safety laws
Posted on Jun 27, 2022 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Legislators and the governor worked together to maintain gun safety provisions.
Gun violence prevention has never been more urgent in the United States than it is right now. With the signing of HB2075, Governor Ige underscored that point by restoring part of a previous gun law struck down by a federal court last year. “Hawai‘i has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in America, and this new law is key in helping law enforcement keep our communities safe,” he said. The new law requires the physical, in-person inspection of three categories of firearms identified by county police chiefs as top threats to public safety. They include guns that do not have serial numbers (also known as ghost guns); guns brought to Hawai‘i from out of state; and guns transferred between private individuals
Among the state’s strict gun laws is one that requires people who buy guns to obtain a license and complete a firearm safety course. Since Governor Ige took office, Hawai‘i has enacted new gun safety legislation that includes the “Extreme Risk Law,” which allows individuals to petition a court to disarm a person in a crisis. Another law alerts law enforcement officials when anyone who is prohibited from owning a firearm attempts to obtain a gun. And in 2020, Hawai‘i joined other states in prohibiting ghost guns and the manufacture or purchase of parts for the purpose of assembling a ghost gun.
He also signed a proclamation declaring June 3 National Gun Violence Awareness Day, when people across the United States wear orange to raise awareness and pay tribute to victims of gun violence, their families and loved ones.