Let's hope to end ALL the BS
HiFiCo---
HPD Confirms Intent to Violate HIFICO Settlement Agreement.
Last week we bought you the news that HPD intended to open for walk-ins on May 10th, Today they confirmed via their website that this is true.
From HonoluluPD.org; "Walk-in registration for firearms will begin on Monday, May 10, 2021, at the HPD Firearms Section at 801 S. Beretania Street. Registrations will be limited to no more than 50 persons each day.... Appointments for firearms permits will continue to be online only.
No walk-ins will be accepted for firearms permits."
As you can see, HPD does intend to restrict access to the department based on the type of service needed and only to a limited number of people.
Right before the pandemic started, Hawaii Firearms Coalition Director Todd Yukutake filed a lawsuit against HPD and the State of Hawaii, alleging that its implementation of the permitting and registration laws was too restrictive in availability. With limited hours the scheme was burdensome and unconstitutional.
The City and County (HPD) quickly settled and in doing so, agreed that in addition to its regular opening hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m) they would open from 7:45am until 6:30pm every Wednesday. Not only that, but any person who was in line by 6:30pm will get assisted before the department closes.
Over the last year, HIFICO has let HPD get away with not complying with the agreement due to all other government buildings also being closed. Now that City Halls are open for walk-ins, and HPD has acknowledged that it can safely do the same, we intend to have them follow the legal agreement.
If HPD can open for walk-in registrations, they can also open for permit applications. The only reason they wouldn't do so is that they see their interest (in registering firearms) as greater than the public interest (in bearing arms). There is no medical basis behind this decision.
HIFICO has consulted with our attorneys on the Yukatake case. Should HPD go ahead with this restrictive plan, they will begin taking action to make sure HPD complies with its contractual obligations.