Hawai‘i’s Rising Gun Ownership Correlates with Increasing Gun Violence
Quick Facts
- Hawai’i’s gun sales have increased by 7.5% from 2022 to 2023, with 23,528 personal firearm permit applications processed statewide.
- Hawai’i has the third-lowest gun death rate in the country, but the rate has increased 71% from 2013 to 2022.
- Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S.
Hawai’i’s Rising Gun Ownership Correlates with Increasing Gun Violence
Hawai’i is often regarded as one of the safest states in the country, with low crime rates and a strong focus on community well-being. However, alarmingly, gun violence is on the rise in the Aloha State. The spike in gun violence has led to a surge in gun sales, with many residents seeking to arm themselves for self-defense. In this article, we’ll explore the complex relationship between gun ownership and gun violence in Hawai’i, delving into the statistics, laws, and concerns surrounding this critical issue.
The Rise of Gun Sales
Gun shop owner Mia Mijuskovic attributes the increase in gun sales to news reports of gun violence and crimes. According to Mijuskovic, when there are high-profile incidents, many people feel a heightened sense of insecurity, leading them to consider purchasing firearms for self-defense and protection. Data from the Hawai’i Department of the Attorney General’s registration report confirms that gun sales in the Islands are up – and not by a little.
Supreme Court Ruling: A Game-Changer
The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen has also had a significant impact on gun ownership in Hawai’i. The ruling established that individuals nationwide have a right to carry handguns outside of a home for self-defense reasons. However, the court also ruled that states can require gun permits that obligate applicants to satisfy certain criteria before obtaining a permit to carry a gun. Hawai’i is among the states that require gun buyers to obtain a permit.
Gun Laws in Hawai’i
Hawai’i’s gun laws are considered among the strongest in the country. The state restricts pistol magazines from holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, and assault pistols are banned. However, assault rifles are legal, and some critics argue that this loophole allows for the proliferation of weapons that can cause mass devastation.
Gun Violence in Hawai’i
Gun violence is a growing concern in Hawai’i. According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Hawai’i had the third-lowest gun death rate in the country in 2022. However, the gun death rate in Hawai’i increased 71% from 2013 to 2022. The Honolulu Police Department is seeing a rise in “ghost guns,” or untraceable guns created using 3D printing technology.
Gun Education and Safety
Shootings are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. According to Johns Hopkins’ Annual Firearm Violence Data report, 2,526 children and teens ages 1 to 17 died by a firearm in 2022 – an average of 7 deaths every day. In Hawai’i, firearms were the second-leading cause of death among children and teens age 1-17 from 2018 to 2022.
To prevent firearm injuries in children, experts recommend not having a gun in the house or storing guns in a lockbox or locked safe, with ammunition stored in a different place. Kainoa Kaku, president of the Hawaii Rifle Association, emphasizes the importance of educating children about gun safety and setting clear boundaries to prevent accidental shootings.
Buyback Events: A Step in the Right Direction?
To combat gun violence, the state departments of Law Enforcement and Public Safety launched a no-questions-asked buyback program in 2023. At an August 2024 event, people turning in guns received either a $100 or $200 Foodland gift card per weapon, depending on the gun. The event collected 514 guns. While some argue that buyback programs can be effective in reducing gun violence, others claim that they may not address the root causes of gun violence.
