Cannot help but think it is political. In my opinion it is. But this is on our leaders like the governor, mayor, and police chief.
The police rank and file are just trying to do their job as best as they can. Their hands are tied due to their senior leaders.
Their job is service orientated. However, it is still restricted to the parameters of our bullsh*t political leaders.
Who knows why it takes close to 90 days (or more?) to process these CCW's. I'd bet there are procedures deliberately put in place to keep the process as slow as possible.
Yes, whether we like it or not, the police chief is a political figure. Again, I'd bet that you don't get that position unless you explain very clearly your stance on the 2nd amendment to the State of Hawaii Police Commission.
We have learned over the years that most of HPD will not stand up for your right. "I'm just doing my job". Like Nazi's did in WW2 where the law made it legal to do Nazi stuff. This is the excuse they use to justify their actions. Or "I'm not the one who brings charges" after they turn into evidence a pistol mag that holds >10rds.
People spoke up about this and we learned during COVID shut downs how HPD 'just doing their job". News reported only once that 96% of COVID citations were thrown out in court. Then add in the rally I was at where I saw HPD blocking the road and sidewalk so protestors could not get to their destination. Only to be told 15 mins later that they cannot do that and someone in command stopped the blockade.
I don't say all HPD. Because I witnessed a gathering that was against COVID rules and a cop showed up. He said someone called, but he cannot issue a citation due to it violating the constitution. So he hung out for a few mins then left. Only to come back an hour later cause the person called again. He again, hung out then left.
Another incident was when someone was carrying a rifle case and was stopped by HPD cause someone called them. They mentioned "to and from law", but at no time searched or detained the rifle case carrier. So they responded because they had to, but never violated the 4th amendment (search and seizure). But did mention "to and from", which means they would have probably enforced this one had they had proof a firearm was in the rifle case and proof where the individual was going to.
So imagine if most of the boots on the ground HPD stated they won't enforce an unconstitutional law. Command would have no choice but to follow. Or fire everyone.