Hawaiʻi is on the verge of becoming the 11th state to prohibit the purchase of assault rifles as lawmakers prepare for a final vote in the state Legislature. Proponents, including Chris Martin from Everytown for Gun Safety, argue that the ban addresses a critical loophole and aligns Hawaiʻi with other states known for their stringent gun laws, noting that assault weapons are often used in mass shootings.
While supporters emphasize the need to enhance public safety, opponents claim the measure infringes on constitutional rights, asserting it penalizes law-abiding citizens. The proposed law would allow current owners of assault rifles to retain their firearms and aims to close a regulatory gap, as Hawaiʻi has successfully banned assault pistols for over 30 years.
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