2020-02-04 Letter to Clarence Nishihara and Glenn Wakai. SB 2002, 2437, 2518, 2519, 2635, 2943, 3053, 3054

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SB 2002 Relating to Firearms SB 2437 Relating to Electric Guns SB 2518 Relating to Firearms SB 2519 Relating to Firearms SB 2635 Relating to Firearms Ammunition SB 2943 Relating to Firearms SB 3053 Relating to Firearms SB 3054 Relating to Firearm Registration February 4, 2020 Page 2 SB 2519 would prohibit large capacity magazines for all firearms. Such magazines are already restricted for pistols, and SB2519 might be the most important bill before you today, given the data on mass shootings that is set forth in the preamble of this bill. SB 2635 would regulate ammunition the same way firearms are regulated, and require the licensing of sellers of ammunition. It would seem that this proposal would be particularly valuable in the case of a firearm that is lost or stolen, but also in tracing ammunition that is used in a crime. SB 2943 would prohibit the assembly of a gun that would not have a serial number(a "ghost gun") and would mandate a serial number for firearms brought into Hawaii that do not already have one. SB 3053 would prohibit 50-caliber guns. I have seen these guns on YouTube and they are awesome- looking weapons. I cannot imagine a legitimate civilian use for them. SB 3054 would require notification when a firearm is moved out-of-state. This would be of some value, though perhaps limited. On the other hand, the burden on a gun owner seems minimal. Can any of the restrictions contained in the seven bills be considered unreasonable? I have no doubt that some will say yes, but except for my questions about SB 2518, I would argue that all of these bills would make Hawaii a safer place without unduly restricting the right to keep and bear arms. There also is an eighth bill on the agenda, SB 2437, relating to electric guns. I confess total ignorance on that subject, and therefore do not offer testimony on it. Again, thank you for taking on these issues. Respectfully Submitted, Harry Kim MAYOR County of l-Iawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.