In Hawaii, another zombie bill from last year shuffled out of the graveyard and was heard in the Senate Committee on Safety and Military Affairs yesterday. Last year early intervention by Knife Rights resulted in the bill not even getting a hearing, but this year we were unable to accomplish that. Fortunately, one of the most egregious knife ban bills we’ve seen in the history of Knife Rights was “deferred indefinitely” yesterday.
SB433 would absolutely ban carry, open or concealed, of most knives, and all knives in many public places in Hawaii! Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, testified against the bill.
Over 400 people signed-in against the bill, including numerous law enforcement agencies, civil rights organizations, and legal aid groups. Only four individuals signed in to support the bill.
“Deferred indefinitely” is not “dead.” We will continue to monitor the bill through the remainder of the session and will let you know if it arises once again like a zombie from the grave.
Since 2010 Knife Rights’ efforts have resulted in 58 bills & court decisions repealing knife bans & protecting knife owners in 36 states and over 200 cities and towns! Knife Rights is America’s grassroots knife owners’ organization; leading the fight to Rewrite Knife Law in America™ and forging a Sharper Future for all Americans™.