The Mrs. and I were feeding our neighbors cat last night around 10pm and my district rep lives near us.  I recognized him from his pic on the capitol website.  So we introduced ourselves and thanked him for proposing HB36 last year (CCW) via my previous email.  It was good the Mrs. was there so he can see that I'm not some crazy typical gun guy that the media portrays.

Below are some things we discussed in the 15 mins we were taking to him.  We didn't want to chat to long because he looked tired and did mention he was up since the early morning reading bills and stuff.

1)  Thanked him for his CCW proposal last year.  It was good the Mrs. was there also because she talked to him from a female perspective and how she feels unsafe.  She mentioned that we have our Nevada CCW and it's ludicrous that Hawaii doesn't even issue CCW's to it's own residents, but other states issue to non-residents.  He agreed and didn't even know that until I wrote to him last year.  That's why he proposed the bill.  Also he does believe that females should have the best tool to defend themselves against bigger, stronger males.  She mentioned our neighbor was robbed at gun point  in our garage in 2016 and the robber asked her "if anyone is upstairs, in her apartment?".

2) I asked him why he proposed his bump stock bill.  He said since the Vegas shooting, he has received over a dozen people emailing him to do something preemptively.   So has all the other reps.  He asked me why would anyone buy a bump stock.  I told him 1) because we can and the ATF ruled that  it's legal on 2 occasions under Obama admin (he didn't know that). 2) Why does anyone buy a Porsche?  The max speed limit in Hawaii is 60mph, why do you need a car that can go 120mph?  He understood the reference.  I told him you can mimic the same type of fire even without the bump stock.  You can use a rubber band, belt buckle, etc...Again he didn't know that and was amazed.

3) He mentioned that Hawaii does have enough gun laws as is, that's why his bump stock bill is very specific compared to the other 2 that name lighter triggers, "combination of parts", etc...

4) He said that he has never shot a gun before and knows only from what he watches on the movies.  So I invited him to speak to other people in the community who are way more knowledgeable than myself if he has any questions or wants to try.  I told him usually when I go to the range, I see Japanese, Australian, Canadian tourist and they all say they also have never fired a gun before and that their countries either ban them totally or make it very difficult to own one.  But once they fire that first round, they fell in love with guns and want one.  He said that he has heard that from others also. 

5) He mentioned that there are a lot of anti 2A reps out there who all say they're pro 2A, but aren't.  So he's aware of what's going on and sees through their BS.  I told  him I know a guy who was super anti 2a, until his friend was murdered (North Shore school teacher).  Within a week, he applied for a long gun permit.  And it opened his eyes, because he knew the person something bad happened to.  I didn't get into details about how only a CCW permit could have helped her situation. He understood that people change their minds after something happens.  Hence why he proposed the CCW bill.

6) I apologized if any of my emails offend him, but I'm very frank when I write and not PC.  He said my emails are PG-13 vs the others that his office receives.  That's why when he responds, he doesn't "copy and paste" like Schatz/Hirono does.

7) He did say he supports the 2A, but with some restrictions.  I didn't want to get to into the "shall not be infringed" yet because I don't want to push to hard.  I just met the guy face to face and he seems cool and very open minded compared to other reps out there.  I felt like we need to build a relationship with him more to get him more on the "shall not be infringed" side.  Also I didn't want to bring up yet the snow ball effect. Ban 1 part, then another, then another.  Next thing you know, all guns are banned.

I mentioned that when you do ban parts, evil/criminals don't follow the law.  I mentioned Uyesugi and the mag limit that was imposed 7 years earlier. (Thanks Puna for the info).  He also didn't know that and it helped him understand more the philosophy, that criminals or evil intentions don't obey the law.

So in all, the vibe I got from him is that he is open minded, but doesn't understand firearms.  Compared to other reps who give you PC answers but we all know hate guns.  He needs to be slowly introduced to the why the 2a is needed and what it is supposed to be meant to do.  The conversation we had was productive.

Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

I’ve had good chats with 2a friendly legislators and they are generally open minded and I don’t get the feeling that they are being fake. I’ve tried to meet with my state Rep (Saiki), but didn’t even get a canned response.

You should also tell him that LIFE offers their handgun safety class for FREE to politicians and media personalities.

I looked to see what Tupola's 2A stance is but didn't see anything. I sent her a message on Facebook.
http://votetupola.com/

I looked to see what Tupola's 2A stance is but didn't see anything. I sent her a message on Facebook.
http://votetupola.com/

I emailed her and she said the 2nd is imprtant and that she is also a gun owner.  See below for her response:

#1
Thank you for contacting Rep Nishimoto.  I really feel like the legislator's that have been introducing these bills need more contact from their constituents to become educated on the right to bear arms.  Thank you for doing your due diligence and helping all of us protect our rights.

#2
Thank you for your email. Thank you for actually writing to our elected officials and asking them their stance.  I actually do go on Stolen Stuff Hawaii and read the comments.

I support second amendment rights and have regularly helped the NRA oppose some of the legislation regarding gun control.  We didn't have any last year.  But the year before there were many bills introduced and I voted No on all the bills that took away gun rights.  I agree that the right to bear arms is in fact a right, and not a privilege that can be "curbed" by legislation.  We have a legally permitted gun in our home. 

I am firm in my stance to protect the second amendment and I think that this video was one of my favorites GUN RIGHTS video that came out when congress was trying to pass "gun free zones" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLqkizGtFo0&feature=youtu.be&t=12m9s


Even if she didn't own a gun, could she be worst than Hanabusa or Ige?  Both are anti 2A for sure.

so 12 people emailed him and he proposed a law to ban something?  So it only takes 12 people to get a bill introduced 

How about 12 of us get together and propose a law that reduces pay for legislators who violate the constitution?

You should also tell him that LIFE offers their handgun safety class for FREE to politicians and media personalities.

i concur

so 12 people emailed him and he proposed a law to ban something?  So it only takes 12 people to get a bill introduced 

How about 12 of us get together and propose a law that reduces pay for legislators who violate the constitution?

It only takes one person to suggest a bill and have it submitted.  Representatives are supposed to consider all bill proposals by their constituents.  It's why they get paid. 

When you contact your representatives with an individual problem, and they respond within a few days saying what they are going to do for you, you realize they aren't just pushing an agenda 100% of the time.  They are servants of the people.  As long as your request is intelligent and within the scope of their job, they will take action.  If they don't, they risk receiving bad press if you take your complaints public.

i concur

Has there ever been a "Take your State Delegates to the Range Day," to take them through the handgun course so they receive the handgun training affidavit?

I bet the press would love to cover that.

I looked to see what Tupola's 2A stance is but didn't see anything. I sent her a message on Facebook.
http://votetupola.com/

I would definitely vote for Tupola.

Has there ever been a "Take your State Delegates to the Range Day," to take them through the handgun course so they receive the handgun training affidavit?

I bet the press would love to cover that.

not as far as i can remember (though sometimes i can barely remember a few hours)

like drakkir said, politicians and media have open invitations to take a LIFE handgun safety course
and they also get VIP treatment at the HRA shooting sports fair

not as far as i can remember (though sometimes i can barely remember a few hours)

like drakkir said, politicians and media have open invitations to take a LIFE handgun safety course
and they also get VIP treatment at the HRA shooting sports fair

They sure do, regardless of how long they take because they have to take a knee and use a table as a brace for every shot...... cough... cough... caldwell...

so 12 people emailed him and he proposed a law to ban something?  So it only takes 12 people to get a bill introduced 

How about 12 of us get together and propose a law that reduces pay for legislators who violate the constitution?

I emailed him to make a CCW bill (HB36) and I was the only one and he proposed it.  But he did ask me to do all the leg work, as in his response was "present a bill and I'll propose it".  Maybe he was thinking I wouldn't take the time or effort to write one.  So I had help on this forum (I forgot who, but they did it for me), it's basically the Nevada CCW law, but with Hawaii replaced with Nevada.

Has there ever been a "Take your State Delegates to the Range Day," to take them through the handgun course so they receive the handgun training affidavit?

I bet the press would love to cover that.

I'm kind of skeptical about this because the anti 2A ones will use the range day as the "I went to koko head" or "I shot a gun before" (Chang).  The range day would be more for those pro 2A or opened minded.  That's why I offered Nishimoto, the vibe I felt was that he wouldn't use it as an excuse to show he was pro 2a, but still wants to take away all our rights.

They sure do, regardless of how long they take because they have to take a knee and use a table as a brace for every shot...... cough... cough... caldwell...

The radio personalities are usually good fun. 

I'm kind of skeptical about this because the anti 2A ones will use the range day as the "I went to koko head" or "I shot a gun before" (Chang).  The range day would be more for those pro 2A or opened minded.  That's why I offered Nishimoto, the vibe I felt was that he wouldn't use it as an excuse to show he was pro 2a, but still wants to take away all our rights.

You can't make any progress with anti-gun people unless you try to educate them.  Most of their opinions and fears are based on ignorance and bad information.

Those who are close-minded won't show up anyway.  If nothing else, it would educate them on proper firearm nomenclature and operation so they have a better understanding of the bills when they list gun parts or functions.

You can't make any progress with anti-gun people unless you try to educate them.  Most of their opinions and fears are based on ignorance and bad information.

Those who are close-minded won't show up anyway.  If nothing else, it would educate them on proper firearm nomenclature and operation so they have a better understanding of the bills when they list gun parts or functions.

What would be more effective would be if any anti 2a were the victim of a violent crime.  There was an anti-2a activist comedian who was robbed last week.  Guess what he did this week...apply for his CCW.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2018/01/20/comedian-robbed-at-gunpoint-shifts-views-on-firearms-wants-concealed-carry-permit/

Also an AG candidate (Dem) was robbed in Chiraq during a photoshoot last week.  I'm pretty sure he might change his views on gun control if he was anti 2a.

Disclosure:  I'm not saying anyone should make the above happen. 

The fact that Tupola said she reads the comments on SSH would mean that she would know what the people want.  On Hanabusa's own FB page, she posted on how she opposes HR38 (reciprocity).  But 90% of the comments on her own page were in support of the bill.  I'm pretty sure she doesn't run the page, but a staffer does.  But will that staffer relay the public demand?

What would be more effective would be if any anti 2a were the victim of a violent crime.  There was an anti-2a activist comedian who was robbed last week.  Guess what he did this week...apply for his CCW.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2018/01/20/comedian-robbed-at-gunpoint-shifts-views-on-firearms-wants-concealed-carry-permit/

Also an AG candidate (Dem) was robbed in Chiraq during a photoshoot last week.  I'm pretty sure he might change his views on gun control if he was anti 2a.

Disclosure:  I'm not saying anyone should make the above happen.

You've got it backwards. The D.C. robbery victim, Tim Young, is a conservative Trump-supporting comedian who always supported the Second Amendment but never was "into guns". He has decided to attempt to get his D.C. CCW permit, and there is the expectation that the process will receive a fair amount of "publicity".

The guy in Chicago, Aaron Goldstein, is a hard left progressive (duh) running to replace hard left AG Lisa Madigan, and so far hasn't said a word about changing his mind re the standard progressive anti gun rights positions.

Don't hold your breath either... from his website (today)... so... no one in these two cases has really "changed their mind" as a result of being a crime victim...

Gun Violence

As Attorney General, I will stand up to the NRA and hold them and gun manufacturers accountable for their role in the flood of guns that are besieging our communities. Illinois is suffering from an epidemic of gun violence and the sheer number of guns in this state is staggering. I am convinced that to turn the tide on gun violence, we must hold the gun industry and the NRA accountable. Clearly, their sole vested interest is not our safety, but to make more money by selling more guns, ammunition and accessories.

The gun industry and the NRA are not passive players. In addition to their lobbying and campaign funding activities—which hold our legislators hostage—they have been manipulating the hearts and minds of Americans for years, flooding the airwaves and internet with propaganda that encourages more gun purchases. They have been sophisticated in convincing people, incorrectly, that the Democrats are the adversaries who want to confiscate all guns and thereby abridge their Second Amendment rights.

In short, I am very supportive of reasonable gun regulation that will reduce the amount of gun violence and will make irresponsible gun owners accountable for their actions or inaction.

I believe that ordinary citizens should not have access to weapons of war and mass violence and that all people who purchase guns, in all venues including gun shows, must undergo and pass rigorous background checks and waiting periods. I also support the Gun Dealer Licensing Act requiring gun sellers to be licensed like any other business such as liquor stores, barber shops or nail salons.

As Attorney General, I will ensure that Illinois gun ownership data is well-maintained and coordinated so that people who should be denied guns can’t purchase them. I will enforce existing gun laws and promote new laws that restrict access to military-style weapons and accessories that are designed as “workarounds” to existing gun laws—such as bump stocks. I will also promote gun control efforts at the federal level, and work with attorneys general from other states to help create a level playing field from state to state. It defeats the purpose of having common sense gun laws when Illinois’ neighboring states have lenient gun laws and don’t require background checks at all points of purchase. The lack of a level playing field fosters the black market in guns and results in guns getting into the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.

What would be more effective would be if any anti 2a were the victim of a violent crime.  There was an anti-2a activist comedian who was robbed last week.  Guess what he did this week...apply for his CCW.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2018/01/20/comedian-robbed-at-gunpoint-shifts-views-on-firearms-wants-concealed-carry-permit/

Also an AG candidate (Dem) was robbed in Chiraq during a photoshoot last week.  I'm pretty sure he might change his views on gun control if he was anti 2a.

Disclosure:  I'm not saying anyone should make the above happen. 

The fact that Tupola said she reads the comments on SSH would mean that she would know what the people want.  On Hanabusa's own FB page, she posted on how she opposes HR38 (reciprocity).  But 90% of the comments on her own page were in support of the bill.  I'm pretty sure she doesn't run the page, but a staffer does.  But will that staffer relay the public demand?

Since we aren't going to "initiate" your solution, it's no solution at all.  It's a random occurrence we can't control.  At least my suggestion is actionable.   

Puna,

My mistake.