Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties advocates for 2 proven gun safety proposals

Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties included two evidence-based gun safety proposals in its 2026 legislative package aimed at preventing gun violence, reducing suicide risk and strengthening public safety throughout all four counties.

The measures support funding for a statewide gun buyback program and investments in enforcement, training and public awareness for Hawaiʻi’s gun violence protective order law, commonly known as the State’s “red flag” law.

Research shows these approaches can save lives while reducing long-term public costs associated with gun violence.

Association members also say that together, the proposed measures emphasize prevention, early intervention and safe firearm disposal.

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Statewide gun buyback program

One proposal would appropriate funds to ensure that at least two gun buyback events are conducted annually in each county, expanding access to safe and anonymous firearm disposal statewide.

Existing results from Oʻahu illustrate the effectiveness of these programs and demonstrate the value of establishing a consistent, statewide approach.

A gun buyback event last April on Oʻahu collected 367 firearms and distributed $37,900 in Foodland Farms gift cards.

A subsequent event in August last year — conducted in partnership between Honolulu Police Department and Hawai’i Department of Law Enforcement — collected 83 firearms, including five unregistered ghost guns and 11 replica firearms, with 79 gift cards distributed.

These events removed hundreds of firearms from circulation, many of which could have posed risks related to suicide, domestic violence or accidental injury.

Positive results from those buyback events highlight the importance of expanding buyback programs to Maui County, Hawaiʻi County and Kauaʻi County on a regular and predictable basis.

“Gun buybacks and gun violence protective orders save lives,” said Honolulu City Council Chairperson Tommy Waters in a release about the association’s sought legislative measures. “These proposals make sure every county has access to proven prevention tools and that families and law enforcement have the resources they need to act before tragedy strikes.”

Strengthening the state’s gun violence protective order law

The second proposal focuses on improving implementation of Hawaiʻi’s gun violence protective order law, enacted in 2019 to allow law enforcement officers, family members, medical professionals, educators and coworkers to petition the courts to temporarily remove access to firearms when an individual poses a serious risk to themselves or others.

Despite its proven effectiveness nationwide, the law remains significantly underused in Hawaiʻi.

Only 10 gun violence protective order petitions have been filed since 2020 statewide. Notably, the Honolulu Police Department and Kauaʻi Police Department filed none, citing challenges such as limited training, insufficient staffing and low public awareness about the law.

Judiciary testimony further identified the need for additional personnel to assist petitioners, process cases, facilitate hearings and meet reporting requirements.

These gaps are especially concerning given that about 65% of Hawaiʻi gun deaths are the result of suicide.

“Gun violence protective orders are one of the most effective early-intervention laws in the country, but they only work when people know they exist,” Waters said. “Awareness saves lives.”

Hawaiʻi chapter of Moms Demand Action lead Terriann Mohideen said the state has taken important steps to protect people from gun violence. But continued investment in education and implementation of gun violence protective orders can help ensure those protections work.

“Research shows that temporarily removing access to firearms during moments of crisis can reduce suicide risk, and making sure law enforcement, courts and the public have the tools to act can save lives,” said Mohideen in the association release. “County leaders play a critical role in supporting these locally driven efforts to keep communities safe.”

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Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties President Heather Kimball, a member of Hawaiʻi County Council, emphasized that the inclusion of these two proposed measures reflect the shared responsibility counties have to advance prevention-focused solutions that respond to real community needs.

She added that investing in gun buyback programs and strengthening the implementation of Hawaiʻi’s gun violence protective order law are practical, lifesaving steps that help ensure families, law enforcement and courts throughout all four counties have the tools they need to prevent a tragedy before it happens.

“As county leaders, we recognize the importance of public safety to community well-being,” said Kimball in the release. “Through [Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties], we work collaboratively to elevate solutions that are grounded in evidence and responsive to the real challenges our communities face.”