In an effort to increase public safety, Hawaii is poised to implement a new law that will prohibit individuals under 21 from purchasing ammunition. The significant step comes as Governor Josh Green prepares to sign a bill introduced by Sen. Glenn Wakai, a move that has sparked conversation and controversy alike. According to a report by KHON2, the legislation was motivated by an incident involving a constituent's daughter who, despite her father's precautions to separate ammunition from his firearms, was able to buy bullets.
Supporters of the measure believe it addresses a critical aspect of public safety. Sen. Wakai told KHON2, "Hard for you to manufacture a bullet, right? So if we could take that part out of the equation, then I think there’s still a public good there." However, critics argue that illegal gun sales often bypass age restrictions, with Representative Garcia stating, "The vast majority of crime, that is perpetrated is not done by legal guns or legal ammo. So thinking that, you know, new laws will change behavior is just false." Minors will continue to be able to handle and shoot ammunition under adult supervision, despite the ban on purchase.
The broader context of the legislation, detailed in a Spectrum Local News report, reveals that Senate Bill 2845 aims to prevent those under 21 not only from purchasing but also from owning, possessing, or controlling ammunition, except as specifically allowed by law. The bill gained support from Hawaii chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, with April Ching, a volunteer, expressing that "Our state prohibits the purchase of a firearm for anyone under 21 – it’s only right that the same applies for ammunition."
While the bill was met with majority approval in the House, the legislation is not without its opponents. The state Office of the Public Defender has voiced concerns that the bill might conflict with historical traditions of firearm regulation, especially following the Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. Likewise, Andrew Namiki Roberts, director of the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, argued that federal law already prohibits the sale of handgun ammunition to those under 21 and noted that "The bill risks infringing on the rights of young adults who are legally entitled to engage in hunting, sport shooting and other lawful activities that require access to rifle and shotgun ammunition. It’s important to note that these activities not only form a part of our cultural heritage but also contribute to our economy and the conservation efforts funded by the responsible use of firearms", as stated in Spectrum Local News report.
Despite mixed opinions, the move to restrict ammunition sales reflects increasingly stringent efforts by states to regulate gun safety. Following Gov. Green's signature on Monday, July 8, Hawaii will become the 17th state in the nation to enforce such restrictions on ammunition purchases by minors. The bill's enactment is expected to take effect immediately, marking a concrete stride in Hawaii's legislative terrain concerning the intersection of youth, firearms, and community safety.
