Hawaii Senate Bill SB774

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

Relating To Gun Violence Prevention.

Impact

The bill's introduction establishes a dedicated office that will carry out public awareness campaigns focused on responsible gun ownership, firearm storage, and reporting lost or stolen firearms. Additionally, it will implement a community intervention grant program to support initiatives that aim to disrupt cycles of violence and trauma effectively. These measures are expected to foster a safer environment across Hawaii by enhancing education and community engagement regarding gun violence prevention.

Summary

Senate Bill 774 establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement in Hawaii. This office is tasked with the crucial role of developing strategies and policies aimed at preventing gun violence throughout the state. The director of this office will be appointed by the governor and will oversee a range of responsibilities including managing funds, advising other agencies, and assessing gun violence policies relevant to both state and county levels. This organizational framework reflects a significant step towards a more comprehensive state approach to addressing the issue of gun violence.

Contention

Though the bill is primarily aimed at gun violence prevention, it may face scrutiny regarding the allocation of state funds and the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives. Critics could raise questions about how well the programs are administered and whether the focus on community-based interventions will produce the desired outcomes without contributing to mass incarceration. Considering the sensitive nature of gun legislation, elements of community autonomy versus state control might also emerge as a contentious topic during discussions surrounding the implementation of SB774.