Looking at the most recent tragic incident where a deputy sheriff was killed by gunshot wounds, it is alarming to know that permits to own firearms in Hawaii is at an all time high. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, 8,695 private firearm permits were processed in 2005, a 27% increase over 2004.

It is true that Hawaii has one of the nation’s toughest firearm laws, but we cannot control those who steal guns and use them. By allowing more firearm permits, we are also allowing a higher number of firearms to circulate around the island. And if the firearms are stolen and get into the wrong hands, tragedy can and will happen.

It is also true that Hawaii has one of the lowest firearms-related deaths, with only 3.45 firearms-related deaths per 100,000 residents from 1999-2004. The firearm the gunman used at Osake was stolen in the 1970s. Since gun owners are not required by law to notify police of a stolen firearm, these firearms can get into the wrong hands.

I realize that it is up to the person who own firearms to be resposible for what they have, but it can only go so far. If the firearms are stolen, say during a robbery, we unfortunately now have someone who can and probably will use it maliciously to commit a crime.

Hawaii is doing pretty well as far as firearm regulations go, but there’s always a opening for improvement.

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