NCJ Number
137307
Date Published
1991
Length
203 pages
Annotation
This study was undertaken in response to Hawaii Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 227, S.D. 1, which requested that the Legislative Reference Bureau examine the impact of gun control measures, including a firearms ban, on the reduction of the incidence of violent crime and accidental shootings in Hawaii.
Abstract
This study summarizes the arguments for and against the banning of firearms and reviews the experiences of other States and countries that have a firearms ban, so as to determine the degree of effectiveness those bans have had in reducing firearms crimes and accidental shootings. The report analyzes the constitutionality of a firearms ban and reviews court challenges of laws that ban firearms. The report also describes the planning and commitment of resources required of the State and counties in order to implement an effective firearms ban. Also examined are legislation pending in the U.S. Congress to ban firearms and the effectiveness of banning only certain categories of firearms in reducing violent crime and accidental shootings. The impact of lesser restrictive alternatives in lieu of a ban is considered as well. The report recommends that the Hawaii Legislature seriously consider a ban on assault weapons and legislation similar to Florida's that would require the safe storage of firearms to prevent children from having access to them. The report also recommends that the Hawaii Legislature consider requiring completion of a firearms safety program as a prerequisite for obtaining a firearm permit. 103 notes and extended appendixes with supplementary information