Guys, I used serve as an assistant CCW instructor in Arizona. We never discouraged folks, but we were fortunate enough to have our local LEO who helped out with the class. Before we started the class we broke the class down into different categories and identified the individuals with or with out defensive tactics training. We used a similar scenario with simunitions and it really opened everyones eyes on the first day. The videos presented by Defend Hawaii reminded me of that. The information definitely has an agenda, but most of the things they demoed is true to a certain point, or could be interpreted in a different way based on an individuals perception. I am not an expert by no means so please take what I say with a grain of salt. If you are offended, it will not bother me because I can not make everyone happy. Besides, I enjoy being in Hawaii in comparison to serving in the sandbox for another 12 months.
BLUF: I just hope folks realize that training and practice are one of the pivotal cornerstone of being a responsible CCW holder. Muscle memory, action during a crisis, and manipulating the "adrenaline cocktail" take time and dedication. If the CCW law is passed in Hawaii, I just hope there will be qualified instructors to provided responsible CCW holders with training and provide expert testimony if the victim is ever involved in a dynamic critical incident (sorry, just came back from one of Rob Pincus's classes and they used the term "dynamic critical incident to define an ambush). I have personally made the decision to spend a considerable amount of money over the last 10 years to train and practice. Even though Hawaii is still quite restrictive to civilians practicing on the public range, I am fortunate enough travel to the mainland to train (Tiger Valley, ICE, Suarez International, and ITI for this year alone), and visit former students when I am not deployed. Be careful of who you train with because, I have known CCW instructors who have impressive resumes, but fail to support their students if they are involved in a shooting. It's a long term investment if you choose to live the lifestyle, so choose your certifications and instructors carefully. You know having too much training can also be used against you so finding the right balance is also key. It's all about perception IMHO. In addition, I also have to keep up with the laws of where I hold a CCW license, because there are annual updates to the law itself. I am not saying this to discourage anyone, but if you intend to carry, take training from qualified schools, individuals, and do your best to maintain your proficiency.
One more thing, CCW in Hawaii would be an interesting environment for CCW. There are interesting ways to carry depending on the weather. Folks that have lived on the mainland might understand what I mean. It's not too tough to conceal and handgun if you are wearing slack and jacket if the weather is cooperating with you. Hawaii is a bit unique. I often wonder if the folks who carry fanny packs are LEO's or Federal Officers IMHO. A CCW holder might stand out from the rest of crowd which could make him/her the target based on the way they dress. Just food for thought. Jimmy joe wearing 5.11 might be a dead give away for an off duty peace officer, PMC, civilian defensive hobbyist which could be good or bad depending on the situation. If you intend to live the CCW lifestyle you have to be willing to make changes in your life and that should be up to the individual IMHO. Some might say this is a hassle, but you have to stay proficient and keep it to yourselves current on CCW affairs pertaining to your state. It's almost like you have to do double the work of the criminals who carry illegally. That's life and it sucks. It is what it is folks.
This is my last post here and I am quite irritated at what is going on at this site IMHO. Unfortunately like most military personal, I will only be here for a couple of years and will leave soon. My apologies if I have offended anyone who is permanently stationed here. However, I enjoy shooting at the MPPL matches, where I am allowed to train at certain point. I always try to imagine being under duress and working the problem even though the starting positions are the same and problem sets go way past the number 4. This can be tough since they mostly do the "run and gun" game where gun handling skills reign supreme and there is not much play for defensive shooting. (Fire, forget , and never access. Next target!) Well, we just have to make the best of the given situation. It could be like California. My scores suck, really suck so do not be surprised. I tend to loose focus after shooting the 4th target on any stage. My thing is if I am shooting more than one target with a hand gun I better being fighting my way towards a long gun, looking for cover, or getting the hell out there to get more support.
Just my two cents, sooooooo have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Good luck with promoting 2A in Hawaii and if it passes............please oh please get some training. Young or old, there is no excuse for skills that you learned 15 years ago or yesterday. It's obsolete already. So stay proficient, situationally aware, and open to any point of view that is out there when it comes to CCW in your carry state. It's also a responsibility for you, your family , and the other people who are around you when you decided to do a "presentation" in defense of your life.
Much respect to all of good people out there.
SK
PS: To the administrator - Please remove me from the rolls of this forum. I thank you for allowing me to post! Thank you again!
