Posted March 8, 2017 1:38 pm by Comments

By Christen Smith

Gun rights supporters demonstrate outside the state Capitol on the first day of session in January 2016. (Photo: Cory Lum/Civil Beat)
The Hawaii Senate unanimously approved a proposal Tuesday that would allow law enforcement to seize firearms from owners considered “at-risk” of committing a violent crime.
The vote came amid staunch opposition from the National Rifle Association, state-based gun groups and concerned citizens — all of whom cited the proposal’s infringement on due process.
Specifically, the legislation stipulates police can seize guns from an owner with a court order issued through an ex-parte warrant application. A hearing to determine the owner’s permanent prohibition would occur within 30 days.
The idea, bill supporters say, is to prevent tragedies involving guns — namely, mass shootings.
“This bill allows law enforcement to take preventative action in situations where information is obtained on possible attacks being planned that involve firearms,” said David Nilsen, Acting Major of the Hawaii Police Department’s Records and Identification Division, in submitted testimony last month. “In today’s environment of terrorism, particularly ‘lone wolf’ terrorists and other active shooter situations, this is a powerful tool that law enforcement can use to protect our community from these attacks.”
But gun rights supporters argue the measure won’t stop violent

Source: Guns.com

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