Hawaii's anti-carry laws starting to catch up with them

The state of Hawaii has a "may-issue" system for handgun carry permits. In theory, one can apply to the chief of police for a permit, and the chief can issue or deny as he or she sees fit, using whatever criteria they wish. In practice, it is nearly impossible to obtain a permit, as the police chiefs routinely abuse this discretion and deny anyone who asks. According to Massad Ayoob, a reserve police captain, highly respected gun writer and author and supporter of both police and civilian carry permits, at one time in recent history the entire state had only three carry permits issued: One to then-Governor Ben Cayetano, who was notoriously anti-gun (of course); one to the civilian armorer of the Honolulu Police Department; and one to the sister-in-law of a police official, which was canceled once its existence was made public amid the resulting outcry of favoritism.

Hawaii also has a major drug problem, especially methamphetamine, which brings with it a lot of crime, especially the robbing of tourists. No one is immune, as the acting head of the White House Travel Office found out the other day. He was robbed and beaten while returning from a night out in Waikiki.

From the article:

"Workers at International Marketplace said the incident would give Waikiki a black eye. "It's really an isolated incident, and unfortunate it happened to somebody who may be of interest to people across the country," Honolulu Police Capt. Frank Fujii told KHON."

Bull. Just watch any episode of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" on the A&E channel. Dog spends every episode pointing out just how many drug dealers, prostitutes, muggers and other petty criminals populate Waikiki Beach to prey on the people there. As usual, in a state where the law-abiding people are unable to protect themselves, crime is rampant. Just like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other "anti-gun" havens, where only the criminals have firearms, the population is dependent on the police, who may or may not come when 911 is called. Remember, the Supreme Court has ruled several times that the police are not liable when they don't show up to help you because they are too busy or shorthanded, or take too long to get there.

Hawaii should exit the Dark Ages and change to a "shall issue" permit system, in which the police chief is required to issue a permit once certain requirements are met, and establish reciprocity with other states to allow competent, trained law-abiding citizens to carry while there on business or vacation. Thirty-five states currently have shall-issue, and no state has ever repealed their law once established, which speaks to the infinitesimally low crime rate and high character of permit holders. Hawaii is a very Democratic state, however, so one should not hold their breath expecting change on this topic very soon.

Please take this into consideration when forming travel and vacation plans.