If enacted, HB 804 would amend existing laws concerning gun permits in Hawaii, particularly Section 134-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The amendment would require that the issuing authority performs a thorough inquiry into each applicant's background using various law enforcement databases, including the Terrorist Screening Database. This step is anticipated to prevent individuals deemed a threat from obtaining firearms, leveling a new layer of protective measures within the state’s existing background check framework.
Summary
House Bill 804 is aimed at enhancing public safety by instituting a notification requirement for gun permit applications that involve applicants identified on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Database. The bill recognizes the potential risk posed by individuals on the watchlist, noting that these individuals have previously attempted to purchase firearms successfully numerous times. The legislation seeks to require that the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Center be informed as part of the state's gun permit background check process, thereby enabling more rigorous scrutiny of applicants who may pose a threat to public safety.
Contention
Despite its intended purpose of increasing safety, HB 804 may face criticism regarding potential overreach and discrimination based on the dubious nature of watchlist criteria. Advocates for civil liberties may argue that placing individuals on the terrorist watchlist can sometimes be arbitrary and lacks due process, thereby unfairly affecting access to firearms for those wrongly accused or listed. The bill's proponents will need to address these concerns to ensure its acceptance and effectiveness while balancing public safety needs with personal rights.