Hawaii committee hears wide-ranging testimony on bill to restrict lending of firearms

Lawmakers heard an hourlong public-comment block and questions on House Bill 150 on Feb. 19, 2025, a proposal that would prohibit lending a firearm to a person without a firearm permit or without a registered firearm.

The bill drew split testimony. Major Carlene Lau of the Honolulu Police Department told the committee the department submitted written support “with some concerns,” and that limiting lending by time frame “would be very challenging to enforce.” Jerry Ewan, president of the Napuolo Rifle and Pistol Club, said the proposal would criminalize common sportsmanship and competition practices, and that he often lends guns to visiting competitors and family members. Multiple firearms instructors and training providers said the measure would hinder instruction programs and youth safety training because trainees and guest instructors often handle borrowed firearms.

Why it matters: The bill would change how private transfers and short-term loans of firearms are treated under Hawaii law, raising practical enforcement questions and potential conflict with training, competition, and family use scenarios.

What witnesses told the committee - Law enforcement: Major Carlene Lau, Honolulu Police Department, said HPD supports the bill in principle but warned enforcement would be difficult where lending is defined by an informal time frame and parties later agree to extend it. “There would be a lot of difficulty in reporting it and then, like, evidence in trying to prosecute something like that,” she said, explaining that prosecutions could rely on cooperative reporting and proof of breach of the agreed timeframe. - Firearms owners and instructors: Jerry Ewan said lenders routinely let out-of-state competitors use club-owned or privately owned firearms for sporting events and that the measure could “make me a criminal for doing something like this.” Several instructors, including Todd Yukutake and Jason Wolford, argued the bill would obstruct firearms safety courses and youth programs because they often require borrowing rifles or shotguns for training. - Civil-rights and constitutional concerns: Multiple opponents raised constitutional objections and practical consequences; one speaker called the bill a “de facto ban on the lending of firearms.”

Committee response and next steps: Committee chair summarized the hearing as “educational,” saying the process helps members understand complex issues even when the bill is not advanced that day. The committee did not record a final recommendation for HB 150 at the meeting and the chair noted the measure “needs work.”

What the bill would not do (as discussed at the hearing): The committee record does not show any amendment adopted or a final vote. Because enforcement concerns were repeatedly raised, the chair indicated further drafting and discussion would be necessary before any decision.

Ending: The committee asked witnesses to remain available for follow-up questions. Staff indicated written testimony from agencies and individuals will be part of the record and may guide subsequent drafts of the bill.