Gun rights advocates in Hawaii are expressing outrage over a state House bill aimed at banning assault weapons, contending that it would restrict many widely used hunting rifles. The legislation, championed by House Judiciary Chair David Tarnas, seeks to prohibit the sale or importation of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns equipped with military-style features, such as extended magazines and threaded barrels, while grandfathering in firearms already owned by residents.
The proposed bill has ignited a heated debate, with gun advocates arguing that it misunderstands the nature of firearms commonly utilized for hunting. For example, the M-1A rifle, which holds a 20-round magazine, would be categorized as an assault weapon under the new regulations. Tarnas is defending the bill against accusations of misinformation, but gun rights proponents fear a loss of access to popular firearms. With the proposal now moved to a Senate conference, the debate is set to intensify as lawmakers consider its future.
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