Hawaii: Urgent Support Needed for Emergency Powers Bill in House Committee

Tsunami Warning Highlights Need for Gun Owner Protection

Senate Bill 358 (SD1), introduced last year by State Senator Sam Slom (R-8), has been revived in the House Public Safety Committee by Chair Faye Hanohano (D-4) and is slated for a hearing on Thursday, March 18th at 9:00 a.m. Though imperfect, it is a step in the right direction for Hawaii’s gun-owners.

SB 358 would prohibit a person or government entity from seizing any firearm or ammunition under civil defense, emergency, or disaster relief powers, or during any time of national emergency or crisis, from any individual who is lawfully permitted to possess the firearm or ammunition.  The most recent tsunami scare was a wake-up call to all Hawaii gun owners that protection from confiscation must be a top priority this legislative session.

As the measure was previously debated last year, there will be no testimony taken. However, legislators will be voting on the bill, which is why it's vital that NRA members voice their support NOW and ask their House member for their "Aye" vote.  In addition to asking House members to move the bill out of committee, we are also asking that they remove the provision that relates to compulsory blood identification, as it is not germane to the issue at hand and may prove detrimental to the measure's passage.

Please take the time to contact the members of the House Public Safety Committee TODAY and ask that they move the issue forward - its success depends on you making the effort!

Faye Hanohano, Chair                  
(808) 586-6530   
[email protected]

Henry J.D. Aquino, Vice-Chair               
586-6520  
[email protected]

Karen Leinani Awana                            
586-8465  
[email protected]

Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran                       
586-6210 
[email protected]

Marilyn B. Lee                                       
586-9460  
[email protected]

Mark Nakashima                                   
586-6680 
[email protected]

Karl Rhoads                                          
586-6180 
[email protected]

Scott Saiki                                            
586-8485 
[email protected] 

Joseph M. Souki                                    
586-9444  
[email protected] 

Roy Takumi                                          
586-6170  
[email protected]

Kyle Yamashita                                    
586-6330  

[email protected]

Kymberly Marcos Pine                          
586-9730   
[email protected]