STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3065

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 625

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 625, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIREARMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to enhance protections against acts of gun violence committed by individuals with a history of dangerous behavior by including misdemeanor harassment by stalking and sexual assault among the offenses that disqualify a person from owning, possessing, or controlling any firearm or ammunition.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Police Department of the City and County of Honolulu, Domestic Violence Action Center, Center for American Progress, Americans for Responsible Solutions, Sex Abuse Treatment Center, and three individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the National Rifle Association, Valley Isle Sport Shooters, and more than sixty individuals.

     Your Committee finds that sexual assault in the fourth degree and harassment by stalking can escalate into more violent conduct and eventually become lethal, particularly when firearms are involved.  Research indicates a correlation between partner stalking, sexual assault, and the propensity for partner stalkers to use firearms against their victims.  Restricting individuals with a history of these dangerous behaviors from owning or possessing firearms contributes to the safety and security of the public.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 625, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary and Labor.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

________________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair