Hawaii County kicks off lively debate over bill that could have big impact on gun laws

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In an hours-long session Wednesday, the Hawaii County Council heard from supporters and opponents of proposed laws that might have a dramatic influence on state firearm legal guidelines.

Councilmembers had been debating Invoice 220, which might prohibit the possession of firearms in “delicate locations,” together with faculties, daycare facilities, and hospitals.

A part of the difficulty is navigating constitutional rights and setting a precedent over a regulation that will be the primary of its variety within the state.

“The chance that as a result of there’s a gun in a spot, an accident occurs is larger than really the nice man getting the unhealthy man,” mentioned council member Heather Kimball. “It’s lower than half a p.c, not even 1 / 4 p.c the place that truly happens. That’s what I don’t need on my head.”

However opponents of the measure argue it infringes on gun rights.

“We needs to be going for private freedoms,” mentioned Hawaii Island resident Brian Ley.

“We want to have the ability to defend ourselves and like I mentioned, the folks which might be much less more likely to commit crimes are the folks that you simply’re attempting to limit essentially the most in defending folks.”

One other problem mentioned is what would represent a delicate place and concern over grey space for many who sometimes carry firearms resembling hunters on agricultural lands.

A second draft of the measure with amendments handed first studying and can be up for second studying at a council assembly in two weeks.

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