Hawaii to ban those under 21 from buying ammo

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Gov. Josh Green is expected to sign a new bill into law that will ban those under 21 from purchasing ammunition

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Those in support say it is a step in the right direction for public safety but others against it say it does not address the primary issue.

Sen. Glenn Wakai introduced the bill after a gun-owning constituent reached out about his suicidal daughter. Wakai said the dad was a responsible owner and kept his ammo locked separately from his gun.

“But she was able to — and I don’t know where — but buy, locally, bullets to put into that gun,” said Senate Public Safety Committee chair Glenn Wakai. “Thank goodness the girl didn’t load it and pull the trigger. She’s still alive with us today. But that story is what compelled me to introduce the bill.”

Sen. Wakai said Gov. Josh Green will sign the bill into law on Monday, July 8, which will prohibit anyone under 21 from purchasing ammunition.

Minors will still be able to handle and fire ammunition under adult supervision.

“So, we didn’t outlaw a child touching ammo, just the purchase part of it,” Sen. Wakai said.

There was pushback on the law, especially over the notion that criminals do not check I.D. when making illegal gun sales.

“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,” Rep. Garcia said. “Those who sell weapons illegally don’t care about age, they care about money.”

“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,” Wakai said.

Since gun rights are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and with today being the Fourth of July, Rep. Garcia said the government is still of, by and for the people.

“Free speech, free religion, living a peaceful life in freedom without a tyrannical government, what protects those rights is our Second Amendment,” Rep. Garcia said. “We the people have the power, and our weapons ensure that government will never be superior to us.”

“16 other states have closed it, so Hawaii becomes the 17th state to outlaw the purchase of ammo by a kid or a minor,” Wakai said.

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Sen. Wakai said Gov. Green will hold a ceremony on Monday, July 8 to sign the bill into law and it will take effect immediately.