Group Applauds Gun Bill Signing

March for Our Lives Hawai‘i and Never Again Hawai‘i announced that on Monday, July 9, 2018, two bills concerning gun safety were signed into law by Gov. David Ige.

These are Senate Bill 2046, which prohibits the manufacturing and sale of bump stocks, and Senate Bill 2436, which requires people who have become disqualified from bearing firearms to voluntarily surrender their firearms within seven days, compared to the previous time allowance of 30 days.

Never Again Hawai‘i would like to express immense gratitude to the 5,000 people who attended the March For Our Lives event and everyone who has supported the actions to make gun safety laws a reality in Hawaiʻi. They would also like to thank everyone who has worked to get these two bills passed.

“I’m proud that Hawai‘i has one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the nation thanks to our strict gun laws,” said Gov. Ige. “At the same time, we must protect the rights of gun owners and hunters to own and use guns safely. This legislation will help us uphold the rights of gun owners while keeping guns out of the hands of mentally unfit individuals.”

During the bill signing ceremony at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard announced a 30-day amnesty program that allows bump stock owners to turn in the firearm at any police station or to call 9-1-1 for officers to pick it up.

“Both of these measures collectively, improve the health and safety of our community,” Gov. Ige said. “In domestic violence situations, the period following the threat is critical. Shortening the time period to seven days will further help to ensure the safety of our families and our communities.”