The bill is a good start, but read it carefully as to be acceptable, IMHO, it will have to be modified. The items in the bill that need to be changed are:
The finger print requirement: We already have to pay for fingerprints to purchase a handgun in Hawaii, why should we have to get, and pay for, obtaining and processing (two separate fees) another set?
I found the language a bit vague. It doesn't seem to state a fee for the "processing of fingerprints", but that the fee shall be borne by the applicant. It also says "The county police department shall provide fingerprinting service, if requested by the applicant, and may charge a fee not to exceed $5 for this service." Personally, I'd be willing to pay for another fingerprinting and processing to obtain CCW. No law is going to be perfectly acceptable to all of us, and I see this as a minor cost and inconvenience compared to what is available now (aka nothing), or undergoing a state-approved psychiatric examination.
Cannot carry in a place that serves alcohol: I could argue for not allowing you to drink while carrying, but just because the restaurant serves alcohol, and if you don't partake, carrying shouldn't be disallowed.
I concur. Not sure what the basis of this exemption is other than alcohol consumption can stimulate aggression so there could be some greater likelihood for congrontation, even if the person with the CCW isn't drinking or becoming agressive. Illinois's new court mandated CCW law has 23 confusing, vague and ambiguous exemptions, so we'd be getting off relatively easy.
Applicant age must be 23
Missouri just lowered their minimum age to 19, from 21. Not sure there will be any rational basis or evidence to argue soundly for one number or another other than that we trust 18-year-olds to carry fully automatic weapons, rocket launchers, etc. in the military... then they get off duty and can't carry for self-defense of themselves and their family?
Training for the CCW would be under the auspices of HRS 134-2(g)(2), which states: That was one of the original requirements that would have resulted in a defacto handgun ban as the police had never, and probably will never, set up a training course for "us."
It says "certified instructor OR" government blah blah blah... so there would have to be some kind of (NRA?) course with certified instructors, just like the handgun course at present for handgun permit eligibility. I know such courses exist in other states, so it shouldn't be a problem here.
And, language needs to be added that would allow a CCW issued in one county to be good within the entire state.
Yeah, nothing about that at all. Seems like it needs to be added. I'm sure the bill will be open to amendments if it ever gets that far in the process.
That's what I found on the first, quick read thru....