The 2016 legislative session starts 20 January, 2016 @ 10am.   Start writing your legislators now with your 2A concerns!   It is very important that they know you will not stand for more infringement on your rights under the 2nd Amendment, and you wish to have things changed in Hawaii.

Even if your representation is anti-gun, let them KNOW you are watching them closely, and not a bystander that will say and do nothing as they remove more of your rights.

Here is a letter written to my reps.  Please use as inspiration for your letter writing campaign.

Thank you for representing me last year.  This Up coming year, please continue to hold your values.  We support you, as you support us.

A few item that I think is very important that must be addressed in 2016. 

  Number one is firearms and gun control.  Hawaii's may issue of CCW permits must be changed to shall issue.   It has been ruled and upheld that carry of a firearm for self defense a right of the people, yet this State continues to deny this right.  Since we are supposed to be a state and a nation of people equal under the law, it seems so denigrating that certain individuals seem to think that their lives are more important, and they have the right to have armed defense, while regular everyday folks, who are law abiding, have neither the need nor the right to have that option. 

  The process for acquiring and obtaining a firearm in Hawaii is a model for inefficiency and waste.  The lines at HPD Honolulu has steadily grown to 45 min to one hour + waits.  Multiple trips to HPD to register, time taken away from work and family, just to exercise a right under the constitution of the United States and this State.

  Registration of every single firearm.  Does this do anything to solve or prevent crime?  Is there a number on this?  How much does all that cost in dollars?  Is it worth it?  In my eye, no.  It is a waste of tax dollars and not needed.  Background check et al yes, registration of law abiding citizens, not necessary.  I believe that HPD resources can be better used looking for and catching criminals, instead of tracking law abiding citizens.

  Number two, and this is related to number one, is Oahu's homeless problem.  Recent ordinances passed in downtown have now pushed many homeless into the suburbs.  In Ewa Beach, I have seen an increase in homeless people living in the bushes and near shopping centers and parks.  Some of these folks are obviously either under the influence or mentally unstable.  While I feel for their situation, that does not mean my families safety needs to be compromised.  This is where number one comes into play. 

  The other day a homeless man tried to get into my wife's car as she tried to leave the bank by Foodland in Ewa Beach.  She had parked near the old Blockbuster video, to avoid the congestion of parking, and while returning to her car, a man, mentally disturbed or under the influence, attempted to enter the rear passenger door of her car.  If she had not locked the doors in time, I shudder think what would be the consequence.  And since we are DENIED our right to armed self defense her chances would have been slim.

  I am utterly disgusted that the so called solution for the homeless is to uproot them and force them to relocate elsewhere.  Making them other people's problem is not a solution.

Thank you for considering my issues, and please bring these issue to a front.  If possible pass law that will make a difference for the people, as opposed to further restricting their freedoms, as we have seen way too often as of late.

Mahalo,
(heavies  )

Ewa Beach resident and Voter

Here is a list and contact information for all legislators.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/members/legislators.aspx?chamber=all

I wrote my reps on Maui, and sent one off to T Gabbard.  Here it is in my words:


Aloha -----------,

I am a resident of Maui and a registered voter. I care very much about our community and our state. Thank you for serving our citizens and listening to our concerns.

Here is the SINGLE most important issue that must be addressed in 2016:

 Firearms and gun control.  Hawaii's "may issue" of CCW permits must be changed to "shall issue".   It has been ruled and upheld that carry of a firearm for self defense a right of the people, yet this State continues to deny this right. 

Maui county has added additional burdens to the concealed carry application. A loophole that makes it very difficult to even submit a completed application. The chief of police requires an handgun proficiency test, signed by the administrator.  Yet after questioning the records division closely, they admit there is no known criteria for the test and no advice whom to seek as an administrator.

I am a female gun owner and hunter. I follow the law.  I want very much to carry a weapon for self defense and the defense of my family.  Right now in the state of Hawaii I can not access my 2nd amendment rights. Must we wait for cases to be decided in the district court of appeals?  No, Hawaii's lawmakers can take action sooner that that.

Thank you for your consideration. If you would like to discuss the matter any further, I can be reached on my mobile phone at 808-xxx-xxxx

Mahalo,
Xxxxxx

Awesome letter MauiLeatherwork!

I hope they get the message and this year turns out to be a win for us instead of a fight!