OK guys and girls, here's your chance to help out.
 
SB358, the bill that would prohibit confiscation of firearms and ammunition in a disaster, is now scheduled for decision making on Thursday. Since this is only scheduled for decision making, you cannot submit testimony. However, you can call or e-mail (it's probably too late to mail anything...) the Chair's office (Faye Hanohano) office and let them know you want this bill passed to the Judiciary committee.
 
The bill status/info is here: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=358
 
Hanohano's info is here: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/House/members/Rep4.asp
 
Your email or call should go something like this:
 
"I strongly support SB358 and would strongly encourage you to pass this bill onto the JUD committee." If you do get to talk to her or her staff, you can mention the recent tsunami as one of the many reasons you support this type of legislation.
 
I have it on good information that a lot of public support for this bill could very well mean it gets passed this session. So, get make some calls, write an e-mail, and get your friends and family to do the same. If the bill gets to the JUD it will need your support there as well, only then we'll need your testimony and hopefully your presence at the hearing(s).
 
Once again, this is your chance to have a positive influence on the legislative process regarding firearms in our state. 

Done!

Ditto above...new to posting, been trolling for a while 

Emailed Rep. Hanohano.

Thank you.

I have also written.

And I sent out a notification to everybody on the list so hopefully that will help.

Thanks for the updates gents!  I will make the call today.

Done - sent last night.  Thanks for the updates.

Sent my email and spread the word to my friends.

Sent!  The meeting is in the morning so let's try to get as many emails in before 4:30pm today. 

Thanks guys...I will let you know the outcome of the Thursday hearing.

Thanks HiCarry.

I just got an NRA-ILA alert for the Emergency Powers Bill so hopefully more people will get to hear about this.

Thanks HiCarry.

I just got an NRA-ILA alert for the Emergency Powers Bill so hopefully more people will get to hear about this.

I knew they were going to put out an alert, but wanted to give those here a heads up so we had a little more time. For those who might want to do a little more, note that the NRA alert lists the other members of the committee....give them a call or shoot them an e-mail. The more folks on the committee who know what "we the people" want, the more likely the bill will be passed out to the JUD committee.

Thanks to everyone who helped. Just remember, this is just the start. We'll need all of your support and efforts if it gets to the JUD committee.

Aloha

Message re-sent to the entire committee.  Woohoo activism!!

Here's what I sent to the committee members. Feel free to use any or all of it.

Chair Hanohano and committe members,

I would like to express my strong support for SB 358 (SD1). I request that you pass SB 358(SD1) out of committee and remove the proposed language to Ch. 128-6, relating to registration and blood typing. It is not relevant to the bill's title and purpose and may cause procedural difficulties preventing its passage.

The recent tsunami incident should be strong reminder that a hurricane or other natural disaster could easily cause a Katrina-like situation here. If you are not aware of the firearm confiscations that occured then, some additional information is available at the following links:





http://reason.com/archives/2005/09/10/defenseless-on-the-bayou

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/hard-times-in-the-big-easy

On September 12, the Federal Courts issued a restraining order that halted the seizures, and ultimately the city was held liable for the illegal seizures and ordered to return the firearms. Since then, many states and the Federal government have passed similar bills prohibitting firearm seizures during disasters. It is time Hawaii did the same.

Thank you.

Sent.

Sent to the entire committee as well.

I am going to a fund raiser for Joe Souki tonight...I want to ask him about all of these e-mails adn put a little pressure on him and his committee. Good Job!

I have emailed rep hanohano. All I can do is all can do.I hope it passes.
Pastor Dennis
Big Island

I think this has a very good chance of passing onto the JUD committee....good job, everyone.
 
Now, you need to start thinking, and writing your testimony for the JUD committee. Remember, sometimes there is very little notice given about the hearing, so you want your testimony to be ready to send in. I will be sriing something, and will try to post something here for folks to use as a template. But, because of my schedule, I probably won't be able to do so until late next week at the earliest. So, as a suggestion on what you can look at in the meantime, go to the link below and click on "testimony" and review what others have already submitted. I would suggest that any testimony also include the request to have the language about compulsory blood registration and testing removed.
 
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=358

any word back yet from the hearing today?