As part of a concerted effort to curb gun violence and enhance public safety, Hawaii's Department of Law Enforcement is gearing up for its next community gun buyback initiative, inviting individuals to exchange their firearms for supermarket gift cards. KTVI reports that the event is set to take place on Saturday, August 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aloha Stadium's lower parking lot, offering a safe avenue for people looking to dispose of unwanted weaponry.
Participants can expect to receive $200 Foodland gift cards for turning in any automatic or semi-automatic rifles and ghost guns, while handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks, Glock switches will fetch a $100 gift card; there is no limit on the number of firearms one can surrender, however, a cap of three gift cards per person will be enforced, each gift cards provided offer the individuals an opportunity to not only rid themselves of unwanted firearms but also to receive something of immediate utility in return. For added convenience, the gun buyback program will also facilitate the distribution of gun locks to those not wishing to turn over their firearms but looking to secure them instead, according to the State of Hawaii's announcement.
Department of Law Enforcement Deputy Director Jared Redulla emphasizes the program's role in community safety, stating, "Many people in the community are faced with the question of what to do with a firearm in the home that is no longer wanted or needed. The DLE’s community gun buyback program event is a convenient way to safely turn in firearms that people in the community no longer want to keep," as reported by KITV. This no-questions-asked amnesty initiative requires no identification from those dropping off guns, with the caveat that active or retired law enforcement and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate.
To transfer firearms to law enforcement, unload all guns and place them in a container or box in your vehicle’s trunk. When you arrive, stay in your vehicle while law enforcement retrieves the firearms. No ammunition will be accepted at the event. For more information or questions, call 808-837-8470 or visit the State of Hawaii's official website.
