Got some replies to the question, "What is your stance on 2A, self defense, and CCW?".
In order of response.
John Roco 12-14-10 9:09 amAloha Brandon,
I am an advocate of the 2nd amendment. Here is a link to my U.S. Senate official statement from a few months ago:
http://roco4hawaii.blogspot.com/ The recent passage of the 'Castle Doctrine' is something else I support, along with Senator Slom's efforts:
http://www.ammoland.com/2010/05/13/hawaiian-castle-doctrine-law-enacted/ And here is a youtube I did on a proposed ban on lead ammunition:
I feel we cannot go the route of Australia, with similar results. In terms of right to carry permit, I feel it is the law-abiding citizens right. In Hawaii there are gun class requirements; thereafter permits are often summarily denied. In terms of 'concealed' or 'not concealed' there has been states going both ways, and of course district of Columbia has been attacking 2nd amendment rights, but got defeated in court. Some states go with 'not concealed,' of course federal marshals always can carry concealed. And Starbucks allows those carrying 'not concealed.' I carry the NRA position- as I remember from filling out their survey. It takes a long time to get a permit here in Hawaii, for people to defend themselves when in known danger- too long. Take care, and thanks for emailing,
John P. Roco (808)721-9845
http://rocogop.blogspot.com/ PO Box 11272 Honolulu, Hi 96828
johnproco@yahoo.com
Matthew S. LoPresti 12-14-10 11:16 amAloha Brandon,
Thanks for contacting me! I talk about this a bit in my blog area under the heading "Fresh Ideas for the Challenges We Face" and in the section "Public Safety", but will copy it here for your convenience.
<quote>· Home invasions are on the rise, and yet Hawaii laws require citizens in their own homes to retreat rather than protect themselves, their families, or their property. While it is often wise to retreat to protect the safety of yourself or your family, it is quite frankly absurd and impractical to send people to over-crowded jails for the “crime†of defending themselves in their own homes should they choose to do so. The city should partner with state lawmakers to ensure that citizens have the right to defend themselves as well as their families and property, while in their home. <end quote>
In short I support the Constitution of the United States of American and think each of the ten amendments on the Bill of Rights are vital to the health of our democracy and personal safety. As for concealed carry, I am not an expert in and I am unfamiliar with the ramification of this in Hawaii. I am in favor of public safety and am highly in favor of a citizens right to protect himself - especially in their own home. I am also a realist however, and I know that Hawaii laws seem to be heavily biased against personal protection (whether you are in or outside your home) and if we want to make progress in righting some of these laws, we need to take smaller more achievable steps to this end. A massive change in policy like allowing concealed carry without first changing the other laws that fundamentally criminalize a citizens right to protection of his self, his family, and his property seems to put the cart before the horse. I hope that makes sense, but then I've learned that in running for office people tend be averse to what I consider to be realistic approaches to problems and only want to hear that I support exactly what they do 100%, but I'm not gonna lie to you like that. I support the spirit of the concealed carry idea at this point, but we must first fundamentally alter the laws and culture that prevents concealed carry, then we can look to that issue.
All the best,
Dr. LoPresti
www.mslopresti.com Tom Berg 12-14-10 12:31 pm Aloha Brendon Heal- Pro carry and conceal- currently HPD Chief dictates who gets and who is denied....permit process must be more accessible. Watch crime go way down when we can carry- the law abiding residents. MAHALOTom Berg 753-7324 Chris Lewis 12-14-10 1:23 pm Brandon, Gun ownership is a right granted to all law abiding Americans. I am in favor of a waiting period and a criminal activity check. I would like but would not mandate a gun safety course. The right to self defense is sacrosanct. The use of appropriate force to protect oneself is vitally important. I have read some research that concealed weapons reduce crime. I doubt that I would propose such legislation but I cannot say I will vote against it. Chris