I don't believe anyone is disparaging what any specific trainer is charging.
Before COVID, the hunter's ed class was free, was funded through our tax dollars, qualified the student for hunting privileges/permits and satisfied the state's training requirement for both long gun and handgun Permits to Acquire. No cost other than the time to take the class.
When COVID forced the state to add online hunter's ed training, which became the only method for that course, they added a service fee to pay for the online course development and maintenance. It's no longer free, but still very affordable for almost everyone.
With the proposed new rules, all the free/cheap options are gone with one exception. If you can prove your income is below 200% of the official federal poverty level (showing you are using SNAP/EBT is one way), HPD will waive the LTC application fee. You still have to pay for the training/certification test, though.
[(11)] ( 8 ) A non-refundable fee of [$10.00,] $150.00, or, if higher, the
maximum amount permitted by state law for the License and any
background check or other processing fees. An applicant may
request a waiver of some or all of this fee based on financial
hardship. The applicant has the burden to demonstrate financial
hardship and shall provide documents to support the request. The
applicant shall also provide any documents reasonably requested
by the Honolulu Police Department to verify the request. An
applicant’s receipt of government assistance provided to
individuals or families at or below 200% of the federal poverty
level, such as SNAP or TANF, shall be prima facie evidence of
financial hardship.
So, it's not about what any training instructor/company charges. It's about the fact the state is forcing the applicant to pay that on top of an application fee that increased from $10 to $150 or more.
And that handgun safety affidavit you always took to HPD to apply for a permit? Might as well use it for toilet paper for all it's worth now --
money down the toilet. Gotta go get the new and improved firearm training whether or not you plan on applying for a carry license. Add that to the state's list of firearm process "upgrades."
JMHO