Bill > SB174

This bill proposes significant changes to Hawaii's firearms and ammunition regulations by introducing new requirements for ammunition sales and possession. The legislation mandates that ammunition sellers can only sell ammunition to individuals who can prove they are the registered owner of a firearm or have been designated as an alternate ammunition purchaser on the firearm's registration. Purchasers must present their firearm registration document and a government-issued photo ID when buying ammunition, with similar verification requirements for online purchases. The bill expands existing firearms laws to include ammunition, requiring sellers of ammunition to be licensed and establishing penalties for violations. Notably, the bill allows firearm owners to designate an alternate person who can purchase ammunition on their behalf and provides a mechanism for owners to obtain permits to purchase ammunition for firearms capable of firing different calibers than originally registered. The legislation aims to create more stringent controls over ammunition sales and possession, with the stated goal of minimizing unlawful firearm use by regulating not just the firearms themselves, but also the ammunition used in them. Violations of the new ammunition purchase requirements would be classified as a petty misdemeanor, and the law provides an exception for ammunition for firearms manufactured before 1899.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=174&year=2025