Bill > HB664

This bill establishes a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement, led by a director appointed by the governor, with comprehensive responsibilities for addressing gun violence in Hawaii. The office will conduct public awareness campaigns about gun safety, mental health resources, and legal protections; administer a grant program for community-based gun violence intervention initiatives; create a resource bank for gun violence data and research; and develop a statewide plan to prevent gun violence. The bill also creates a Gun Violence Prevention Special Fund to support these efforts, which will receive grants, donations, and legislative appropriations. Additionally, the bill restructures the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission by moving it from the Attorney General's office to the Department of Law Enforcement and changing its leadership, with the Director of Law Enforcement now serving as chair and the Attorney General becoming a commission member. The bill includes provisions for annual reporting to the legislature about the office's activities, grant awards, and recommendations, and appropriates funding for establishing the office, conducting research, and supporting community intervention programs, with the legislation set to take effect on July 1, 2077.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=664&year=2026