Less than a dozen applications have been received by the Hawaii Police Department for a permit to carry a concealed weapon on the Big Island.
Acting Police Chief Kenneth Bugado on Friday reported to the Hawaii County Police Commission that the department had received 11 applications since the revision in the permitting process was implemented in August following a June 23 U.S. Supreme Court decicision in the case New York State Rifle &Pistol Association v. Bruen.
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The ruling stated local governments can’t require those seeking a license to carry a gun in public to demonstrate a particular need, such as a direct threat to their safety.
Prior, the four county police chiefs in Hawaii had the discretion to determine whether to issue a carry permit and had only issued six permits in 21 years, according to state data.
Bugado said all of the applications received by the Hawaii Police Department were still under review Friday, with none having been approved or issued.
He estimated it would take at least 30 days to process completed applications.
Some of the common issues the department’s Firearms Division has encountered in the permit process is people applying without providing the required NRA certification and missing initials on the mental health form.
A permit issued to carry concealed or unconcealed firearm only applies to handguns, and is only applicable in Hawaii County, Bugado said.
In addition to the application, which has a fee of $10, applicants must submit a copy of the legal registration for the specific firearm to be carried; a copy of a signed firearms proficiency test administered by a National Rifle Association firearms instructor; two passport-type photos of the applicant taken within the past 30 days; and an authorization form from the state Department of Health.
Applications and supporting documentation may be submitted in person or via mail to the Hawaii Police Department’s Records and Identification Section, 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720.
Any questions can be directed to Lt. Tuck Loy Aurello at 961-2233 or via email at HCPDONE@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those permits to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms only apply to handguns.
For more information visit: hawaiipolice.com/8-24-22-police-update-permitting-process-for-license-to-carry-firearms
Email Laura Ruminski at lruminski@westhawaiitoday.com.