Article author:
Associated Press
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher
Honolulu (AP) — Megan Kau makes a week-long hunting trip to Hawaii's Lanai. She is there, she sees the sunrise, she hears the voices of distant people. She is the buzz of deer and mouflon sheep in the tropical wilderness, a rifle ready by her side.
As a gun owner, she also goes to the shooting range several times a year. It is only these outings that lawyers and people from Oahu see people with guns in this tourist mecca. Strict laws restrict the purchase of firearms and the carrying of guns in public places.
Thursday's US Supreme Court ruling could change the situation in Hawaii by overturning New York's hidden weapons law. In Hawaii, it's very rare to see someone carrying a loaded weapon in public.
Some people have stated that this change will result in more gun violence, traditionally rarely seen. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hawaii's gun mortality rate in 2020 was the lowest in the country.
"We are culturally and racially embraced," Cow said. "But in our culture, we are fighters. We have a passion."
That passion is usually a "upward" physical change. It may boil. This is a local term for boxing.
"If you were born and raised here, you would be involved in a conflict and I don't think you have any weapons," Cow said.
Gun Control Group Everytown for Gun Safety's Hawaiian Chris Marvin says road rage, surf spot clashes, and other conflicts live in Hawaii. He said it was part of and rarely. Deadly. He is worried that it will change.
"When you introduce a gun, you often die quickly," he said. "Gun and Aloha do not mix."
Under current law, Hawaii's county police chief has the discretion to decide whether to issue a carry permit. Without such a permit, Hawaiians are only allowed to store firearms at home and can transport firearms to limited locations such as shooting ranges, hunting ranges, and repairs.
According to the Supreme Court's ruling, local governments cannot require people seeking permission to carry guns in public to indicate specific needs, such as a direct threat to safety. .. Hawaii and California are one of the states with such requirements.
Hawaii's police chief has only issued four carry permits in the last 22 years, said Alan Young, a lawyer representing Hawaii's man George Young. Beck is self-defense.
"That's a big deal," Beck said of the decision. "Not only does that mean that Mr. Young's proceedings will win, but it also opens the door to challenge many aspects of Hawaii's firearms law."
State Governor David Ige said authorities had decided how the court's ruling could affect Hawaii. However, some believe that they know the end result.
"In conclusion, Hawaii is becoming a more dangerous place," said Senator Karl Rhodes. "Hawaii goes from places where the right to carry in public is an exception to places where the right to carry on the street is an exception."
High Court ruling Allows local governments to impose certain rules that limit where weapons can be banned, such as who is allowed to carry them, parks, stadiums, and other places where people gather.
Hawaii lawmakers will consider adding background checks, training rules, and legislation to keep guns away from certain public spaces, state legislator Chris Lee said. ..
There are already requirements for gun handling training to get firearms, but "but carrying something in a public place is a completely different matter," Lee said. -Strengthen law enforcement training to escalate conflicts and deal with situations in which people are armed.
He also wants to see restrictions on bringing guns to public meetings on emotional issues.
Denise Ebby Conan, Dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Social Sciences and a member of the State's Gun Violence and Violence Crime Commission, said in public places such as beaches and hiking trails. The gun has a reputation as a safe tourist destination in Hawaii.
"I think many of our visitors come from countries with very strict gun control," she said.
She said at least one couple who visited Waikiki on Thursday that looser restrictions wouldn't discourage them from returning.
Rebecca Donahue said she and her husband are hiding the carry permit where they live in Titusville, Florida. "I think Hawaii is very laid back and relaxed from what we see," she said.
The Hawaii Tourism Board refused to comment on the court's ruling and its potential impact on tourism, the economic engine that drives the state's economy.
Hawaii Rifle Association President Kainoakaku said the decision would help law-abiding people carry guns. If necessary, you can protect yourself, your family, and even the entire community.
Joseph Roberto, who hunts pigs with pistols and rifles, said he didn't expect Hawaii to be the Wild West.
"Most people don't just carry it around, wear it on their hips and walk around the store, saying,'I have a gun, so I can use it,'" he said. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous."
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Freelance journalist Marco Garcia contributed to this report.