Got unwanted firearms? Hawaiʻi Island police to host gun buyback event in Hilo

Big Island residents can safely and anonymously surrender unwanted firearms later this month during Hawaiʻi Police Department’s gun buyback event in Hilo.

The program is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 18 in the upper parking lot of the Hilo Police Station, located at 349 Kapiʻolani St.

Participants can surrender handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks and Glock switches. Ammunition will not be accepted.

Police are hosting the buyback in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General and Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

It is designed to provide a secure, no-questions-asked option for community members to dispose of unwanted firearms without providing identification.

Law enforcement and public health officials say safe firearms disposal can help reduce risks associated with unsecured weapons, including accidental shootings, firearm theft and suicide.

Those who surrender eligible firearms can receive gift cards based on the type of firearm returned.

Gift cards valued at $100 will be offered for handguns, rifles, shotguns and Glock switches, while assault-style rifles and ghost guns are eligible for $200 gift cards.

Participants can receive up to three gift cards.

All firearms must be unloaded and placed inside a container or box in the trunk of the participant’s vehicle before being brought to the event.

Participants are asked to remain inside their vehicles while law enforcement retrieves the firearms.

Licensed firearms dealers and active or retired law enforcement officers are not eligible to participate.

Contact Hawaiʻi Police Department Firearms Section at 808-961-2239 or via email at hpdfirearms@hawaiipolice.gov for additional information or with any questions.