Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

Characters at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

    In 2020, Hawai'i enacted a law restricting the possession, manufacturing, and sale of ghost gun kits and parts. However, federal agencies have reported a significant increase in the number of ghost guns found throughout the state. Last month, a man on O'ahu was caught with two dozen ghost guns and illegal parts.
    The number of ghost guns recovered at potential crime scenes has grown exponentially, jumping from 1,758 in 2016 to 19,344 in 2021 alone. That these firearms are untraceable only makes it more difficult for law enforcement to develop leads and solve crimes. Between January 1, 2016, and March 4, 2021, ATF attempted to trace almost 23,946 recovered ghost guns, but could only complete 151 traces.

    In addition to these nearly-complete frames and receivers, the senators noted that many companies have also been selling standalone tools and equipment with directions to help purchasers complete the firearms. With these untraceable, dangerous weapons still accessible to those who wish to cause harm, the senators called for stronger enforcement of the rule.
    "The final rule, however, is clear and unambiguous: a nearly-complete frame or receiver is a firearm. The rule does not cover only frames and receivers sold as part of a kit, but also frames and receivers that

Waiting for the keiki at District Gym. Photo by Julia Neal

can be readily completed. Indeed, enforcing the rule only against sellers of kits would be a colossal loophole," the senators continued.
   "The Ghost Gun Rule was promulgated to stop the proliferation of ghost guns, mitigate the threat these firearms pose to our communities, and help law enforcement—at every level—do their jobs... It is now incumbent upon the Department and ATF to see that it is enforced—and enforced strongly," the group concluded.
    In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The full text of the letter is available here.

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Trunk or Treat with Parks & Recreation at Robert N. Herkes Gym parking lot. Photo by Julia Neal

A dark Halloween with a smile at Trunk or Treat, sponsored by county Department of  Parks & Recreation and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

In the mail, on stands and at www.kaucalendar.com