The very first thing that has to happen with these bills is for the committee chairs, to which the bills have been referred, must schedule a hearing for the bills. This is completely up to their discretion. In other words, one person in the whole state gets to decide whether or not these bills even get a hearing during which the public could submit testimony and the issue "debated" in the legislature. If the committee chair decides they don't want to give the bill a hearing, that's it, it's dead. And there is no initiative, referendum, recall, nor term limits in Hawaii (the
only state that has none of those options) for citizens to attempt to overcome that one person's decision.
The person I spoke to the other day In JUD Chair Nishimoto's office said that people calling and writing
could make a difference, as he hasn't decided at this point to hold a hearing or not. I'd think a thousand phone calls at the beginning of next week could be persuasive... 4, or 12, not so much. Also submit testimony again once the hearing is (if it is) scheduled, including suggested amendments
The bills first go to the first referred committee. If they pass out of there, THEN they go to the next referred committee. So right now we have three committee chairs to appeal to.
HB410 -> JUD only (no other referral at this point).
HB410 is "shall issue", concealed and open carry, 1 year term of license, good only in county of issue, and still has the "engaged in the protection of life and property" phrase that has been interpreted to exclusively mean "security guards". Once there is a hearing amendments can be suggested in testimony.
JUD
House Committee on Judiciary
Chair
Scott Y. Nishimoto
House District 21
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 421
phone: 808-586-8515
fax: 808-586-8519
repnishimoto@Capitol.hawaii.gov
* * * * *
HB36 -> PBS, then JUD
HB36 is "shall issue" concealed carry statewide, open carry restricted to county of issue, 5 year term of license, $50 fee.
PBS
House Committee on Public Safety
Chair
Gregg Takayama
House District 34
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 323
phone: 808-586-6340
fax: 808-586-6341
reptakayama@Capitol.hawaii.gov
* * * * *
SB212 and SB213 ->PSM, JDL
SB212 is "shall issue", concealed carry only, statewide, 3 year term of license, $25, with $10 renewal, minimum age 21 unless member of United State military, then 18.
SB213 is handgun magazine limit change from 10 to 17 rounds.
PSM
Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs
Chair
Clarence K. Nishihara
Senate District 17
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 214
phone: 808-586-6970
fax: 808-586-6879
sennishihara@capitol.hawaii.gov
