The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), in partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Department of the Attorney General, the Honolulu Police Department, and Honolulu Emergency Services, successfully hosted O‘ahu’s second community gun buyback event. This initiative aims to reduce gun violence and enhance community safety by encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender firearms, ammunition, and related items.
Event Highlights
- Event Success: Over 514 firearms, including fully automatic assault pistols, assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles, handguns, revolvers, shotguns, ghost guns, and Glock switches, were turned in at the Aloha Stadium Lower Parking lot.
- Community Support: Participants were offered gift cards valued at $53,100 in total, with a maximum of three gift cards per person. A total of 531 gift cards were distributed.
- Safe Disposal: The program accepted both working and non-working firearms, ensuring safe disposal and offering free gun locks for those wishing to keep their firearms but enhance safety.
- Amnesty-Based Approach: The buyback event operated under a no-questions-asked policy. No identification was required, emphasizing the program’s focus on safety and community trust.
Quotes from Leadership
Governor Josh Green, M.D.: “We have lost too many loved ones and endured far too much gun violence in our neighborhoods where we should be able to feel safe. This event is part of a larger effort to combat gun violence and promote safe neighborhoods across Hawaiʻi.”
Department of Law Enforcement Director Jordan Lowe: “We are truly gratified by the community response to this buyback program. Turning in unwanted guns may help save a life and prevent a future crime from being committed.”
Future Plans
The Department of Law Enforcement is in discussions with county law enforcement partners to expand the gun buyback program statewide. Future events will be announced once plans are finalized.
Program Funding
This initiative was funded through an appropriation from the 2024 Hawaiʻi Legislature, underscoring the state’s commitment to reducing gun violence and ensuring public safety.
Get Involved
Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming gun buyback events and find out how you can participate in making Hawaiʻi a safer place. For more information, contact the Department of Law Enforcement or visit our website.
