ICYMI: Governor Josh Green Supports Legislation to Ban the Weapon of Choice of Mass Shooters in Hawai‘i

HONOLULU — Today, during an appearance in KHON2, Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green announced his support for SB 401. The legislation would close a dangerous gap in Hawaiʻi law that currently prohibits assault pistols but not assault rifles such as AR-15s. This bill would prohibit high-powered semiautomatic rifles and shotguns with military features that are capable of firing hundreds of rounds in minutes. SB 401 already passed both chambers and a conference committee, but now awaits final House and Senate floor votes before heading to Governor Green’s desk. 

Watch Governor Josh Green below: 

75% of registered voters in Hawaiʻi believe people should not be allowed to purchase or own military-style semiautomatic rifles like AR-15s – a whopping 52-point advantage compared to those who oppose such a policy. Read more here. 

Hawaiʻi is an example that strong gun laws work – having one of the lowest rates of gun deaths—and among the strongest gun laws in the country. Gun violence costs Hawaiʻi $901.4 million each year, of which $19 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Hawai’i is available here.

To speak with a policy expert at Everytown or a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action about SB 401, please reach out to [email protected].