Help STOP the re-write of SB401

Hawaii lawmakers are moving forward with SB401 HD1, a drastically expanded gun control bill that no one in the public has had a chance to testify on. This isn't just about gun policy - it's about fair process, publict trust, and constitutional integrity.

What's Going On?

SB401 originally proposed a ban on .50 caliber firearms - a short, clear bill (460 words).

On March 13, the House gutted the original bill and replaced it with language from a totally different bill (HB893), expanding it into a broad assault weapons ban.

The new version is over 2,600 words long and includes:

A ban on all semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines.

New definitions like "assault rifle" and "fixed magazine"

Magazine capacity limits, transportation restrictions, new penalties

The committee report still falsely says it's just about ".50 call" firearms.

And wors of all? The public has never been allowed to testify on the new version.

Why This Matters?

This kind of "gut and replace" tactic was ruled unconstitutional by the Hawaii Supreme Court in 2021 (League of Women Voters v. State).

"A bill's content must be substantially the same throughout the legislative process in order to comply with Article III, Section 15 of the Hawaii Constitution."

"The Legislature must provide fair notice and opportunity to be heard. When it substitutes a bill's contents with a nw subject matter, the process restarts. The constitutional guarantee of three readings applies to the bill in its final form."

-League of Women Voters of Honolulu, et all. v State of Hawaii (2021)

SB401 HD1 violates that rule - and sets a dangerous precedent if allowed to pass.

TAKE ACTION NOW!!!

Contact these key lawmakers and demand they stop SB401 HD1 from advancing further. Urge them to uphold transparency, constitutional process, and public input:

reptarnas@capitol.hawaii.gov

reppoepoe@capitol.hawaii.gov

reptodd@capitol.hawaii.gov

repgarcia@capitol.hawaii.gov

senelefante@capitol.hawaii.gov

senrhoads@capitol.hawaii.gov

senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov

senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov

Be polite. Be informed. Be firm.

The people of Hawaii deserve honest lawmaking, not backdoor policy changes.

--from Hawaii Firearms Coaliltion

LADIES, SEND IN YOUR EMAILS BY THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 4:30 TODAY.

HIFICO, will be there at 2:00pm to talk to the legislatures.

Sorry for the late post. if you're able to make it or need more info, please check out HIFICO's FB page.