GUN SAFETY RAPID RESPONSE REQUIRED
SUPPORT FOR HB984
TESTIMONY NEEDED BY
1PM Monday FEB 13TH
RAPID RESPONSE IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT GUNS SAFETY IN HAWAII!!
There have been over 600 applications to carry a concealed gun in Hawaii since June, when the Supreme Court decreed in the Bruen case that Hawaii has to issue concealed carry permits. At least 20 permits have already beenissued without any restrictions as to where guns can be carried!
The House Committee on the Judiciary and Hawaiian affairs is holding a hearing next week on HB984 This is the most important bill on gun safety that House will hear before crossover to the Senate. Please submit testimony by MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 at 1pm asking the Committee to support this bill.
Background:
Since the Bruen case decreed that Hawaii must allow people to carry concealed guns, it is VITAL to the safety of Hawaii’s residents and visitors to pass HB984 which sets clear requirements for:
—who is, and is not, eligible to carry a gun in public
—how our county chiefs of police can assure that permits for concealed carry are approved only after a thorough background and mental health review
—locations where people who get permits to carry guns in public can and cannot carry those guns
Below is a short statement you can cut and paste. Feel free to write your own or just write “ I support HB984” in the text box on the testimony submission form.
I have grave concerns about the impact of the Bruen decision on the safety or Hawaii’s residents and visitors. Among other important provisions which I strongly support, HB984 addresses two areas of major concern about how our residents and visitors can remain safe. It ensures that the licensing procedure for concealed guns weeds out individuals who would be a threat to others or themselves. It also sets forth a list of sensitive places where firearms cannot be carried that is comprehensive enough to protect the safety of Hawaii’s residents and visitors.
There are, however, two additional provisions that would enhance the list of sensitive places. The first involves private property. I support the “default” provision that is currently included in SB1230 that respects the right of private individuals and entities to choose for themselves whether to allow or restrict the carrying of guns on their property. It providing that firearms shall not be carried on private property without the express authorization of the owner. Placing the burden on Hawaii’s residents, merchants and other businesses or private entities to affirmatively state that firearms are not allowed could encourage unnecessary and potentially dangerous confrontations.
In addition, HR984 does not provide specific protection for first amendment expressive spaces, like rallies and marches. I support inclusion of such a provision similar to that included in SB 1230 or Honolulu City Council bill 57.
*To submit testimony:
— click on https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.
-register if necessary or log into your account. Click on “Submit Testimony” box on left. The process for submission is very straightforward:
-Provide bill number
-Press continue which brings you directly to the form you must fill out.
-Fill in required fields and indicate whether you support or oppose the bill and whether you intend to submit written testimony or appear in person or by zoom
-If you intend to provide a written statement, you have the option of uploading a file or writing directly on the form. You can cut and paste what I sent or you or write your own statement
-Press submit when all fields are completed. You will see your completed form to review and edit if need be. Check the box indicating you are aware your statement is public info.
-Press submit again and it should bring you back to the first page where a green box will indicate your testimony has been successfully submitted..
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