HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. David Ige (EE’-gay) is signing a bill that makes the state the first to enter gun owners into an FBI database that will automatically notify police if an island resident is arrested anywhere else in the country.
Ige said in a statement Thursday the legislation is about community safety and responsible gun ownership. He says it will help law enforcement agencies protect Hawaii residents and visitors.
State Sen. Will Espero, who introduced the bill, and the Honolulu Police Department say the measure could serve as a model for other states. But critics say gun owners shouldn’t have to be entered in a database to practice a constitutional right.
Ige also signed legislation that disqualifies perpetrators of stalking or sex assault from owning or possessing a gun or ammunition.
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