Hawaii: Dangerous Legislation Could be Voted on Tomorrow

As early as tomorrow, House Bill 888 could be voted on by the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate.  HB 888, which is aimed at those who recklessly possess a firearm while intoxicated, has morphed throughout the session. Most recently there was a disagreement between versions of the bill in the respective chambers and the bill was sent to conference committee. The result of this committee is a bill that has dangerous implications for law-abiding gun owners that is likely well beyond the prescribed intent. The problem lies in the broad definition of “possession” which could possibly extend to a firearm that isn’t actually in one’s possession but nearby or accessible in one’s home.  For example, an individual who has come home from having a few drinks with friends and goes to bed next to a nightstand containing a loaded self-defense gun, could be charged with a crime. This could also include those using narcotics while recovering from surgery.  Further, acting under personal bias, an anti-gun prosecutor or judge could consider the charge a “violent” misdemeanor thereby removing someone’s Second Amendment rights unfairly.

It is important that you contact your legislators and strongly urge them to oppose House Bill 888 when it comes up for a vote or re-commit the bill to committee for further study and consideration.  Contact information for your legislators can be found here.