As views go, Libertarian is closer to the constitution than any other party IMHO.  I'd agree with most of the party values.  Only thing that I don't really like is the softer approach on national defense. (Mostly mind our own business.)  Which is fine most times, but sometimes a more proactive stance is necessary to prevent aggression, again IMHO.

+1

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“The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations”

Didn't really see that coming (from them)... but I'm genuinely curious...
Could the NRA possibly mean to add this as an item to the SHARE Act?  And in doing so, that'd push it to a quicker vote?  That'd be interesting (and sneaky/tricky) if so.

I like where you're going with this...

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Greetings gentlefolks.

You fellows have been an excellent resource in the past and I was hoping  you could clear up some confusion for me.

I recently registered a stripped AR lower on Oahu and was informed by HPD that I needed to return to either re-register it or update the description (officer wasn't clear) after I had completed the build.  I twice attempted to clarify that the lower was a stripped lower and under law was the firearm and not an unfinished 80%.  Each time the officer reiterated that me that once I start drilling it (?!) I would have to bring it in and re-register/update.

At this point I was concerned that they thought I was attempting to register an 80% and attempted to clarify with the officer who collected my final signature for the lower.  She informed me that I did not have to bring the lower back after I had completed the build.  She then became unsure of herself and conferred with the other two officers.  At this point she returned and informed me that I needed to have a full description of the completed rifle on file if I sold it.  I pointed out that only the lower was a controlled item.  She the followed up by informing me that they had had trouble with people making AR pistols and I needed to bring it back to have the barrel length measured, although she seemed to concede that this was a pretty flimsy reason to return as well.  At this point she decided to confer further with the other two officers working in registration and they returned and informed me without explanation that I indeed did need to return the rifle when the build was complete.   

At this point I shut my mouth because I didn't want to be argumentative and assumed I could easily research the statutes or perhaps find an older thread here on 2aHawaii. 

I spoke with my FFL and he was surprised to hear that I had been asked to re-register the completed build as well.  Other individuals who have purchased stripped lowers were unaware they had to return.  Review of Hawaii Revised Statutes showed no sign of this requirement although I may have overlooked something.

I realize that the officers in firearms registration are not infallible.  I've had previous incidents in which: When applying for a pistol permit they questioned my affidavit because it was notarized and issued by a private local NRA accredited instructor rather than one of the more well know instructors affiliated with local gun stores, and also a delay due to confusion over which parts were the serial number on a 1970's era 1911 (the slide and barrel have military stock numbers stamped where you might expect to find a serial number on a Glock).

My ultimate questions are:
1. Do I indeed have to return to re-register the firearm after it's completed?
2. If so what statute are they referencing to require this?
3. How long has this requirement been in place?

I realize that them wanting me to return is unenforceable and relies on the honor system and that I could just blow it off, however my right to bear arms is important to me and I very much want to stay on the right side of the law.  To be clear I do not want to come off as insulting to HPD either.  I have had friends who were officers here in the past and I know it isn't an easy job.

Thank you to anyone who might have any insight into this.

When I moved to the Big Island two years ago, I brought my firearms with me. I complied with the registration requirements. At that time, my AR build was complete, and the officer performing the registration did indeed measure the barrel length to ensure the rifle was legal by all state and federal standards.
That being said, I'm unsure about the grey area surrounding a stripped lower. Clearly that is the serialized portion of the firearm, however, the registering officer, in order to properly complete the registration according to internal HPD guidelines, probably has to measure the barrel length, and possibly needs to check other features as well.
It sounds like to me that the officers are trying to follow up on what they are required to do, according to what they are instructed their responsibilities are, which may or may not be exactly compatible with your responsibilities as an owner.
My suggestion, short of a full investigation into the exact legal responsibilities of both sides, is to complete your build, schedule a follow-up registration, but try to make sure you don't pay a second time. Presumably, the officers will be content they did their part, you'll be in full, unquestionable compliance, and you can move on without doubt.

It sounds like the confusion lies in the difference between "re-register" and "update the description." The latter doesn't sound like it would require any extra payment.

With all due respect,
It seems you may be overly concerned with your exact minimum legal responsibilities at the expense of smoothing things over. They apparently need a full description of the firearm in the event you sell it in the future, but you may not actually be required to provide that unless/until you sell it, meaning you need not take further action. You might be technically correct, but going back might be with peace of mind. For me, that's just part of living in Hawaii. It could be worse... you could be living in California.

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Last I heard, mag availability and feeding reliability were the issues regarding a 7.62x39 AR platform. As far as .300 BLK for home defense, the terminal ballistics are very good against a person, but 5.56/.223 is reported to be better when over-penetration of interior walls is a concern, due to the fact that the bullet will tumble and slow/stop much more quickly than most other rounds. Everything is a trade-off. What's the most important for your particular application? You live on a sizeable piece of acreage, or do you have neighbors and children nearby behind every wall?
... my two bits...

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Hard-sided, locked case, inside your checked bag. Firearm has to be unloaded. Can't remember if rounds in mag are okay. Check with TSA, and check with your airline. When I flew to Hawaii with my firearms, I spoke TSA over the phone and looked at their website. I found their requirements for flying to be very reasonable. I asked about limits on the number of firearms I could check, and they said to ask the airline. I flew Alaskan, and apparently Alaskan loves hunters, so they didn't really give a rip at all. Alaskan also said I could carry 50 lbs of ammo - pounds, not rounds. Just make sure you're in compliance with all TSA and airline policies, and in compliance with all state and federal laws where you're going. When checking your bag, declare you are transporting a firearm in your checked bag. You'll most likely be diverted with your bag (after check-in counter) to a separate line for bag screening/bag X-ray with TSA. This usually only takes a few minutes. After that, straight to the gate, no hassle.

All the above is to illustrate that the regulations are pretty simple, and there's not much to worry about as far as tiny little details causing a hangup.

I've also flown plenty of times with a pistol in a hard-sided case inside my suitcase. This hard-sided case has a built-in keyed non-TSA lock. Suitcase was soft sided with zipper, but was locked with TSA locks. The pistol case, however, should NOT use TSA accessible locks. I think that was actually on the literature from their website. When I flew to Hawaii, all firearms were in rifle length pelican cases with NON-TSA padlocks, and that was both recommended, and hassle free at the airport.

Don't use combo locks. Always use keyed locks for all firearm cases.



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Some qualifications for the NRA Basic Pistol instructor is to shoot 16 out of 20 shots in a 6 inch group at 15 yards, and beproficient with revolvers too.

I'll be teaching a 2 1/2 day class in June and July.

Which island? I'm interested as well.

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The response was quick like when your girl ask "does this make me look fat?".. No hesitation and "no".

Hahaha!!!! Exactly!


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... the quick, non-hesitant response convinced ME!!! ... completely on purpose... obviously... totally... what a dumbs***! The adrenaline-pumped, quiet guilt-walk afterward was unmistakeable, too!

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