-- My testimony I prepped.
Members of the Legislature:
Hawaii Concealed Carry (HCCW) is a local grass-roots group founded to protect the fundamental rights of Hawaii’s citizens. Most specifically, we advocate for the right of Self-Defense.
We have reviewed the proposed Senate Bill 53 and have found numerous critical flaws contained therein.
The right to self-defense does not cease to exist just because one is prohibited from possessing a firearm. It is quite possible that many of these victims may have fought back in the past, or may not be in the best living situations – thus statistically, they are more likely to have been part of a crime or violation of some sort. It would be senseless to deny even those persons the ability to protect themselves legally.
There are many electric devices which are do not discharge a projectile via a compressed or explosive means (i.e. a hand held electric defensive device, which requires direct contact).
If a true violent felon wanted to do damage – it probably would not be with a Tazer or Stun Device.
We suggest you remove the requirement:
(1) Applicants are not prohibited from possessing firearms ~
or ammunition under section 134-7;
Most importantly, the following section presents an impossible requirement:
(2) Prior to receiving authorization, applicants shall complete a training course, approved by a county Police department, in the use of electric quns;
The state relies on publicly operated training facilities to further its handgun safety course requirements. Just the same, with this proposal, the state will rely on private business to also conduct that training. What is the problem? Common citizens are prohibited from owning Tazers; As such, we cannot facilitate training classes for domestic violence victims to own these devices. Additionally, training costs money and time; a victim may not have the time to wait for a forming class. They may not be able to even afford a class, if their abusive spouse was the sole provider.
Please alter the bill to remove training requirements for domestic violence. Additional, please allow all victims the ability to carry electric devices for self-defense.
Christopher Baker