LEGISLATIVE ALERT — NOW IS THE TIME TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY
The first batch of anti-Second Amendment bills of this legislative session is scheduled for a hearing on Monday at 3 PM, and the deadline to submit written testimony is Sunday at 3 PM. This is a critical moment for our community. The following bills are moving forward, and your voice is needed now. Inaction today can lead to lasting restrictions on your right to keep and bear arms tomorrow. Lawmakers will make decisions whether we speak up or not, so it is essential that they hear directly from those who will be impacted.
In addition to submitting written testimony, those who are able are strongly encouraged to attend the hearing in person. Showing up demonstrates the strength, commitment, and engagement of our community, and in-person testimony can have a meaningful impact on how these proposals are viewed.
Several firearm-related bills advancing this session could significantly affect lawful firearm ownership, due process protections, and criminal penalties in Hawaiʻi. We are urging community members, advocates, and anyone who values constitutional rights to submit testimony in opposition to the following measures.
SB 433 would prohibit the open carry of so-called “deadly or dangerous weapons,” expanding the definition to include bladed weapons. While it includes a limited affirmative defense for lawful self-defense and transport, the broader effect is another layer of restriction on law-abiding individuals. Expanding weapon classifications without clear standards creates confusion, risks inconsistent enforcement, and further erodes personal freedoms.
SB 2575 introduces sweeping sentencing enhancements and felony reclassifications related to firearm offenses. The bill establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for certain Class A felonies involving firearms and raises multiple offenses to Class A felony status. These include possession while being prosecuted for or previously convicted of certain crimes, possession while under restraining or protective orders, carrying while under the influence of controlled substances, and possession of methamphetamine while armed. Expanding mandatory minimums limits judicial discretion and can result in disproportionate penalties without effectively addressing crime.
SB 2517 would make possession, control, or transfer of a firearm while under a protective or restraining order a Class C felony. Protective orders can sometimes be issued without full evidentiary hearings, raising serious due process concerns when automatic felony penalties are applied.
SB 2503 allocates funding for gun buyback programs, requiring at least two events per county. While often presented as a public safety measure, studies across the country have shown limited evidence that buyback programs significantly reduce crime. Public resources should be focused on solutions with proven effectiveness.
SB 2720 would create a Firearm Injury Restitution Fund financed by licensed firearm manufacturers as a condition of market participation. This approach places financial liability on manufacturers for actions outside their control, raising concerns about fairness, legal precedent, and economic impact on lawful businesses.
Taken together, these bills reflect a broader push toward increased restrictions and penalties affecting lawful firearm ownership rather than targeted enforcement against violent offenders. Policies that expand criminal classifications, reduce judicial discretion, or shift liability away from individuals can have long-term consequences for civil liberties.
Submitting testimony is one of the most effective ways to participate in the legislative process. Legislators review testimony when making decisions, and every submission becomes part of the public record. Be respectful, concise, and clear about your position. Share how these proposals may affect you, your family, or your community.
We will continue monitoring these bills and sharing updates as they develop. The most current information will always be posted here.
The window to act is short. Testimony must be submitted by Sunday at 3 PM for the Monday 3 PM hearing. If you are able, please consider attending in person and making your voice heard. Civic engagement matters, and participation now can shape the outcome of these proposals for years to come