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State Chair's Corner


Aloha Members of the Hawaii Republican Party,

I am writing to you to update you on the outcome of our special state meeting held on January 2nd.

As many of you are aware, a majority vote at our last State meeting, December 21st, scheduled this special meeting to occur on January 2nd. This decision was made to ensure the completion of essential party business, which, unfortunately, was not fulfilled. Consequently, we convened as per the motion to finalize our organizational efforts.

During this meeting, a significant motion was passed. It was decided that the County Chairs, under the supervision and involvement of the Hawaii State Executive team, will take over the organization and execution of the Hawaii Presidential Caucus. This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful caucus process.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Andrew Walden for his efforts and dedication during his appointment as the Caucus Representative and organizer. His work has been invaluable, and we hope he will continue to be a resource during this transition.

We are excited to inform you that the locations for the caucus will be posted by next week. We are also looking forward to working closely with the Presidential Campaign teams to facilitate a fair and effective caucus. The Presidential Caucus, scheduled for March 12th, from 6pm-8pm statewide, is a crucial event where you, the members and communities, will vote for your preferred Presidential Candidate representing the Hawaii Republican Party.

However, our work is not done yet. We still need volunteers in all counties. While Kauai has commendably organized their teams and locations, we are certain they will welcome additional support as we approach the event. Volunteering for the caucus is a fantastic opportunity to be directly involved in the democratic process.

I encourage each one of you to visit our website, www.thehawaiirepublicanparty.com, and click on the 2024 presidential caucus tab. There, you can sign up to volunteer and find additional information. Being part of this process is not only exciting but also essential. It takes the collective effort of all of us to make it happen. (There is a sign-up volunteer button in this newsletter as well)

This is a call to action for the grassroots to get involved and drive change. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our party and our state.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Hawaii Republican Party. Together, let's make this Presidential Caucus a resounding success.

Sincerely,

Tamara McKay
State Chair, Hawaii Republican Party

On January 9th, 2024 The Honolulu Police Department will be holding a hearing to change the rules of the Chief of Police. It is highly recommended that you give testimony in writing or in person. 

While some of the changes are needed to comply with state law, others are just being put in place to make it harder for law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms.

copy of the rules here;
https://www.honolulupd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Proposed-Amendments-to-Chapter-15-Rules-of-the-Chief-posted-12.8.23-for-hearing-1.9.24.pdf 


Public Hearing Notice (here)
https://www.honolulupd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1439767_Proof-3_New-Pub-Date.pdf


If you want to submit written testimony, you may do so by emailing their testimony to [email protected]

For MORE INFO and a better understanding of the issues surrounding the hearing and the law, read the info below at the bottom of the newsletter (placed at he end for those who want more info).  Thank you to the Hawaii Firearms Coalition who complied this very important information.
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Capitol Convo Archive
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SATURDAY CANDIDATE TRAINING

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAscOCurTsqH9FNtndgQarY2-E8t3N6s3fH
or go to our website to register: www.thehawaiirepublicanparty.com.

This is your chance to be part of the process of the 2024 Republican Presidential nominee. Come out and vote for sure (locations and information coming soon). Become a volunteer* and learn how the process for hand-counting a ballot is done. Click the button below to become a volunteer in your district. (*If you already signed up to volunteer before 12-27-23, please fill out the form again as a A S.N.A.F.U with the old volunteer list has occurred. We are grateful for your participation).
Caucus Volunteers

Presidential Caucus Information

The outcome of the Hawaii Republican Presidential Caucus, Tuesday March 12, 2024, 6pm to 8pm, will directly determine proportional delegate allocation among the competing candidates.  Hawaii’s 19 delegates and 16 alternates will be representing your caucus vote at the Republican National Convention July 15-18, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
December 1, 2023 was the deadline for Presidential candidates to register for the Hawai’i Republican Presidential Caucus.  The eight candidates on the Hawai’i ballot are:
  • Donald J Trump
  • Ron DeSantis
  • Nikki Haley
  • Vivek Ramaswamy
  • Ryan L Binkley
  • Doug Burgum
  • Chris Christie
  • David Stuckenberg

Volunteer to staff a Caucus polling place: HERE.
Contribute to the Hawaii Republican Party: HERE

More Info on the January 9th Hearing

 

  • Sensitive places - banning the carrying of firearms in everyday locations.
  • The Vampire Rule - If you carry a firearm, you can't enter unless invited.
  •  A 1400% increase in a Concealed Carry License (CCL) cost.
  • Everyone must take a new handgun safety - all previous classes are invalid.
  • Firearms instructors must be verified by the police department.
  • Maximum waiting period extended to 40 days - previously was 20.
  • Mental health denials expanded - no longer require a medical condition.
  • Temperament-based approval system - if they don't like what you say or do, no guns for you.
  •  Expanded the list of prohibited people - more people won't be able to own firearms.
There is much more to this bill, most of which goes into effect on January 1st, 2024.  

Good News Though : We Didn't Stand Around Doing Nothing.
 
Wolford Vs Lopez
This lawsuit was filed by attorneys Alan Beck and Kevin O'Grady, challenging parts of Hawaii's sensitive places law.

Through their diligent work, this legal due managed to get a large part of the sensitive places law preliminarily enjoined. So the ban on carrying in banks, venues that serve alcohol, beaches and parks is currently not in play. Also, the default ban on carrying on private property open to thew public without consent expressed consent (The vampire rule) is also unenforceable/

The lawsuit is currently being appealed by the state to the 9th circuit and we will keep you updated as it progresses.  

What is the Vampire Rule:
Myth has it that a Vampire can only enter someone's property if they are invited, So a law requiring a person to seek consent to enter the property while carrying a firearm results in the same demand and is commonly referred to in the second amendment community as the “Vampire Rule”

What About Other Lawsuits
Below is a list of Lawsuits that we are participating in or tracking because of their importance.  

•    Yukutake v. Shikada : Baton Lawsuit. WIN
“[T]he Attorney General shall direct her agents and all other persons under her authority to comply with the terms of this Injunction and will direct all persons under the legal authority of the Attorney General not to enforce the “billy” provision of HRS § 134-51(a) as set forth in the Injunction,”
•    Santucci v. City and County of Honolulu. WIN
The Honolulu police department was forced to change how it handled mental health checks. They must now look to see if a mental health diagnosis causes the person to be a danger to themselves, others, or property before making a denial.
•    Grell v. County of Hawaii. WIN
This lawsuit stopped the county of Hawaii from requiring a person to waive privacy rights when applying for a license to carry firearms.
•    Teter v. Lopez. ON APPEAL
This lawsuit is against Hawaii's ban on Butterfly knives and was won at the state and circuit levels. Currently, the state is seeking an en banc review from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
•    Roa V. Lopez. OPEN
This lawsuit challenges Hawaii's ban on switchblades.
•    Abbot v. Lopez. OPEN
This lawsuit challenges Hawaii's ban on pistol magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
•    Yukutake V. Connors/Lopez. OPEN
This lawsuit challenges parts of Hawaii's registration and permitting law and is currently on appeal.


Public Hearing Notice (here)
https://www.honolulupd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1439767_Proof-3_New-Pub-Date.pdf

NOW ON TO THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The 2023 Hawaii Legislative Session is set to commence in January, and it presents a crucial opportunity for us to safeguard our rights as responsible firearm owners. Your participation in this process is vital to ensuring that our voices are heard and our rights are protected.

Here's how you can get involved:

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on proposed legislation related to firearms. Knowledge is power, and being informed is the first step in making a difference.

Attend Hearings and Meetings: As bills are introduced, there will be hearings and meetings where your presence can make a significant impact. Attend these sessions to show your support for responsible firearm ownership and to express your concerns about any proposed legislation that may threaten our rights.

Engage with Legislators (see above for the direct links): Reach out to your local legislators to discuss your perspective on proposed bills. Personal stories and well-reasoned arguments can be powerful tools in influencing decision-makers. Let them know why protecting our rights is important to you.

Spread the Word: Encourage fellow firearm enthusiasts to get involved. Share information about the legislative session on social media, within your community, and among friends and family. The more people engaged, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

Support Hawaii Firearms Coalition: Your continued support enables us to advocate for responsible firearm ownership. Consider making a donation, volunteering your time, or spreading awareness about our organization to amplify our impact.

Hawaii Firearms Coalition (Here)
is dedicated to protecting the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, and together, we can make a difference. Your involvement in the legislative process is crucial to maintaining our freedoms.








NYSRPA vs. Bruen
In 2022, The Court ruled New York's concealed carry law unconstitutional, extending the right to own a gun for self-defense to exist outside the home. This ruling also bought to conclusion Young Vs Hawaii and put an end to Hawaii's ban on carrying a firearm for self-defense. Due to this more than 2000 concealed carry licenses were issued in Hawaii in 2023.

In additional to the ruling against New York the ruling laid out a new/better way for the lower courts to look at 2A lawsuits. The text History and Tradition approach limits how the government can justify second amendment laws. They can no longer just claim its for public safety and do whatever they want.

But, of course, the legislators couldn't let that stand.
A slew of Anti-Gun laws were proposed at the county and state level this year in a knee-jerk reaction to the Bruen decision.

Their big pass this year was SB1230 by state legislators. This bill is a 77-page re-write of a vast chunk of Hawaii gun laws.

The significant changes in the law include;
Important Links
Elections 2024
  • Candidate Recruitment - Our Vice Chair of Candidate Recruitment and Training Teri Savaiinaea is actively recruiting for the 2024 elections, submit the name of a potential candidate HERE.
  • Election Integrity - Want to learn more about our election integrity efforts, join our Election Integrity Committee weekly meetings by contacting Adriel Lam at [email protected].
  • Volunteer - To be a State Counting Center Official Observer complete the Office of Elections volunteer intake form. 
 

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