Bill > SB2504

This bill aims to enhance gun violence prevention efforts in Hawaii by providing funding for two key areas: the enforcement of gun violence protective orders and public awareness campaigns about these orders. Specifically, it appropriates funds to the judiciary to support the processing of petitions, court hearings, and the creation of a new court officer unit to handle the increased workload associated with gun violence protective orders, which are legal orders allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. Additionally, the bill allocates funds to the department of law enforcement to conduct public awareness campaigns, educating Hawaii residents about gun violence, safety, intervention, and prevention through these protective order laws, as well as informing them about existing resources for mental health and substance abuse. The context for this bill is the legislature's finding that gun violence is a growing concern and that existing laws, like Act 150 which established the protective order system, would be more effective with adequate funding for both enforcement and public education.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2504&year=2026