If enacted, HB710 would modify section 134-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow county police chiefs to issue firearms permits to U.S. nationals who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. This would effectively grant firearm acquisition rights to a broader group within the U.S. nationals category, thus enhancing access to firearm ownership under state laws. The bill highlights the belief that denying such rights to U.S. nationals constitutes a violation of their equal protections under the law, especially concerning the Second Amendment provisions historically upheld by federal court rulings.
Summary
House Bill 710 aims to amend Hawaii's current firearms regulations to explicitly authorize county police chiefs to issue permits for firearm acquisition to United States nationals, including individuals from American Samoa who owe allegiance to the United States but are not U.S. citizens. Currently, Hawaii Revised Statutes restrict the issuance of such permits to 'citizens of the United States.' The bill finds that the existing federal Gun Control Act does not prohibit U.S. nationals from owning firearms, thus supporting the proposed changes in state law to align with federal guidelines regarding firearm possession and the Second Amendment rights.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB710 is the interpretation of who qualifies as a 'national of the United States' and whether it is appropriate to align state law more closely with federal standards when it comes to firearm ownership. There may be concerns from those advocating for stricter firearm regulations, who argue that expanding the pool of firearm ownership could lead to increased risks associated with gun violence. Additionally, the bill's supporters posit that many U.S. nationals enjoy rights akin to full citizenship, thus justifying the amendment of state law to recognize their right to acquire firearms.