HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0371.003 2016-2018 P / PWPRC
COMM. 371
EDWARD GUTTELING, M.D.
P.O. Box 857 • Hilo, Hawaii 96721
• Orthopedic Surgery 29 Jul 2017 Telephone: (808) 961-2609
•Sports Medicine y'
414C Asst Clinical ProfessorofSurgery Dear County Council:
University of Hawaii,John A.Bums
School of Medicine
'Offidal
iloVulOrthopedic
letics n RE: GUN RANGE BILL Resolution 246-17:
UH Hilo Vulcan Athletic
r Board Certified,American Board SUPPORT a County public gun range, ASAP.
of Orthopedic Surgery
•Fellow,American Acdemy of 01 C:)1•••.1
Orthopedic Surgery c.. C VV
•Orthopedic Research Fellowship 1) LAW ENFORCEMNT PROFESSIONALISM REQUIRES IttE_
TRAINING ,ma -
There is a severe need to improve the professionalism of our law enforcement officers, aiey ilev'mo
easy place to train. For most,they don't.They fire their weapons once a year for the require anr0
• qualification shoot,then never again. I have interviewed scores of officers about this, and Vortuflately this
is the actual truth. It is a shocking reflection on the lack of professionalism that we citizens ould demand
of them, and it will enhance the safety of the officers and the public as well.
2) CITIZEN GUN OWNERS NEED TO TRAIN ALSO
Meaningful self defense is a human right. The vast number of legal gun owners have no place to practice.
As a result,citizen gun-owners lack the skill set and training habits needed for responsible self-defense,
which is needed for optimal safety of all in our community.
I should mention that throughout my 32 year medical career, I have seen more than my share of gun-shot
victims and I am in no way am either ignorant of the extent of such criminal trauma nor unconcerned about
these tragedies.
However, I also insist that meaningful self defense is a human right,as well as a Constitutional one.
When seconds count, police are minutes away.
I therefore firmly support legal responsible gun ownership by the civilian populace. However,this ability to
use deadly force comes with responsibility, and requires training. We let drivers control vehicles capable of
deadly force move around us daily, but require them to be skillful drivers.
We should enable our citizen legal gun owners the opportunity to become skilled gun users,also.
Presently,for the vast majority,they are denied that opportunity.The County council can fix that with a
public gun range,
The alternative is continuing with poorly trained law-enforcement and poorly trained legally armed citizens,
which is increasing risks to all our community needlessly.
For an excellent county-run example, I suggest the Clark County Nevada shooting complex.
http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/parks/Pages/clark-county-shooting-park.aspx
warmest aloha
Edward Gutteling, M.D gutt@hilo.net.
Gomm. No. 311,3
Ref. To: P1 VWfitt. .�
HILO ORTHOPEDIC CENTER
R. Dote AUG 01 2017
45 Mohouli Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Billing:(808)969-6017•Fax:(808)935-6895