Hawaii allows more concealed carry but prohibits guns in public areas.

Hawaii Expands Concealed Carry, But Prohibits Guns in Public Places

The state of Hawaii has recently expanded concealed carry, but with certain restrictions. Governor Josh Brown (D) signed the legislation on Friday, which forbids people from carrying their guns to various public places, including beaches, hospitals, stadiums, bars that serve alcohol, and movie theaters. However, private businesses may allow their customers to conceal carry if they post the proper sign informing the customers that it is allowed.

“On many occasions in my training back on the mainland, I was one of the physicians that took care of individuals who were victims of gun violence,” Green said before signing the measure into law. “Not only that, I lost a loved one to a suicide with a gun. And so anything that we can do, we should.”

Senator Josh Green has been an advocate for reducing gun violence, describing it as a public health crisis and saying action should be taken to address it. This latest expansion on concealed carry comes after a Supreme Court ruling last year expanded gun rights for citizens, with the court saying U.S. residents have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Hawaii allowed county police chiefs to determine whether or not to issue gun owners a permit to carry, though these permits were barely issued.

Reducing Gun Violence

Senator Green’s efforts to reduce gun violence are commendable. He recognizes that gun violence is a public health crisis and that action needs to be taken to address it. Hawaii’s low gun death rate is a testament to the effectiveness of their gun laws. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hawaii had the second-lowest gun death rate in the U.S. last year, trailing only Massachusetts.

Conclusion

While Hawaii has expanded concealed carry, it has also taken steps to ensure public safety by prohibiting guns in certain public places. Senator Green’s efforts to reduce gun violence are a step in the right direction, and Hawaii’s low gun death rate is proof that their gun laws are effective.

• Private businesses may allow concealed carry with proper signage
• Senator Green advocates for reducing gun violence
• Hawaii has the second-lowest gun death rate in the U.S.

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