Came across this on another site  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_8_43/519976_Hawaii_SB69_Passed_the_Senate___Better_write_your_Rep_to_oppose_this_bill.html

Just submitted testimony on SB69.  Please go to this link and search SB69 and submit testimony in opposition to.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/submittestimony.aspx


SB 69, SD2
(SSCR805)
Status
RELATING TO FIREARMS.
Requires county police departments to fingerprint, photograph, and perform background checks on individuals who wish to register a firearm that was procured out-of-state.  Authorizes the police departments to assess a fee for conducting a fingerprint check and specifies the amount of the fee.  Extends the time period for registering a firearm procured out-of-state, for consistency with the time period for registering firearms obtained in or imported into the State.  Appropriates funds for county implementation.  Effective 07/01/2050.  (SD2)
 

I just submitted testimony too.

Got this in my email from Sen. Brian Taniguchi today, in response to my testimony:

Dear Mr. XXXXX,
Thank you for your email. I appreciate you taking the time to write to me.
I wholeheartedly share your concerns.  That's why I voted with reservations when SB 69 was voted on in the Senate.
Aloha,
Brian

Translation, anyone?

Aye with reservations is still counted as an "aye" vote.

My translation is that this aye with reservations is a weaseling out by the legislator that they had concerns with the vote but voted yes anyway.

Last Monday evening, after the hearing announcement came out, I submitted testimony on-line in opposition to SB60dr2.  I also noted I would provide oral testimony at the hearing this morning, which I did.  Unfortunately, there was no other oral testimony in opposition to this second draft presented.  Stuff happens, so perhaps folks couldn't make the hearing.

Last Monday I also emailed the Chairs and Vise Chairs of each of the three committee's which may meet (PBS,JUD,FIN).  I also emailed every member of each of the three committees.  I let them know the email was not testimony, but only a personal message from me stating my opposition.  This was about 34 representatives.  While I got a few autoresponses to my emails being received, I only got one personal reply, from Rep Bob McDermott.  I personally think one out of 34 isn't a very good response rate.   Here's his reply, and my original email.

Rep. Bob McDermott
1:56 PM (22 hours ago)
to me
Thanks Bill,
 
I have not seen it yet, but I am very pro 2nd amendment.   I think we are on the same sheet of music. J
 
Bob
 
From: William Smith
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:25 AM
To: Rep. Bob McDermott
Subject: Opposition to SB69 DR2
 
Aloha Representative Bob McDermott

I see you are a member of the House Committee on Judiciary.  I wanted to voice my opposition to draft two of SB69.  I have already submitted testimony online last night, and will try to be at the hearing this Thursday.  This email is just to let you personally know I don't support this bill, and feel it will not help with public safety nor reduce gun violence.  It will require tax payers dollars that need to be spent elsewhere. We should concentrate on prosecuting criminals with existing laws vs trying to implement legislation that will only bother hunters and shooters visiting Hawaii.  I know you are being very mindful of individual second amendment rights while also trying to reduce gun violence, but this bill does nothing to reduce violence.  The money to implement could be used for other things, and it may impact our economy by making it more difficult for visiting hunters and shooters to come to Hawaii.  As far as closing a loophole in guns getting into the wrong hands, criminals will get guns without regards to rules or laws, but visiting hunters will be spending their monies somewhere other than Hawaii if we are not careful.

I hope you will have a chance to see my submitted testimony, and I look forward to the opportunity to participate in our government at this level. I feel its my pleasure and duty  to be involved in what ever way I can. 

Thanks for your time.
William Smith

Thank you for the link. I just submitted testimony. As usual legislators cannot resist adding more feel good legislation. We the people need to keep these individuals informed that we are here to provide them with the facts and to remind them that we are watching.

Was the hearing today or is it tomorrow?

Hearing was this morning and it passed with amendments.

Keep voting those dems in office. That'll help us.

Since these folks are voted in already, I think we have to work together with them against bad gun legislation.... Our choices to vote them in isn't on the table right now.  When I contact these folks to voice my opposition, I can't help but noticing the little D behind every name in this list:

President Barack Obama (D), Vice President Joseph Biden (D), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui (D-HI), Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (D-HI), Rep. Sylvia Luke (D-HI), Atty. General David Louie (D-HI).

IMO if we don't work with them, we are more likely to fail.

you can't negotiate with evil and it's not compromise if all that happens is we give and they take.

3/25/2013   SB69 SD2 HD1    Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 03-28-13 3:15PM in House conference room 308.

Now that the hearing is scheduled, folks can again submit testimony via the link:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=69

Since it's the committee on Finance, should I tailor my testimony to emphasize the financial drawbacks/points as well as 2a issues with which I'm in opposition?
Thanks

Yes tailor it to show how wasteful it is. Maybe you could also make a new alert thread to gain more attention and traffic.

Yes tailor it to show how wasteful it is. Maybe you could also make a new alert thread to gain more attention and traffic.

I'm thinking of somehow tying in the possible monies for the BI Kailua/Kona range per that post.  From thread http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=7470.0    We don't want to discourage visitors from coming to the BI and spending their monies at this possible range. 

I know HRA is in support, with one reason being the possible spending of appropriations on extended registration hours/locations. I think that was part of the rational in the thread where Dr Cooper's email was posted....  While this would be a nice use of funds, I'm not sure I agree this is the best mechanism/vehicle to get monies appropriated for this.   

I can't do anything till much later tonight.  Gotta get the kiddies in bed etc.....but I'm thinking about some fiscal angles....

Yes tailor it to show how wasteful it is. Maybe you could also make a new alert thread to gain more attention and traffic.

Done.  I started this thread here:  http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=7498.msg71181#msg71181

Done again!  Third time submitting testimony.