Ghost Gun Law in Honolulu Faces Enforcement Challenges

Ghost Guns on the Rise, But No Charges Filed

Ghost guns are flooding the streets of Honolulu. The numbers keep climbing. Honolulu police have seized more than ever before. But not a single person has been charged under the ghost gun law. That’s got folks asking questions.

The Law Meant to Stop Ghost Guns

Hawaii made it illegal to own or make ghost guns four years ago. The law was clear. No serial number, no legal gun. The goal was simple. Stop people from building untraceable weapons. But the law isn’t working in Honolulu. Police keep making arrests, but prosecutors aren’t filing charges.

Other Islands Take a Different Approach

Now, over in Maui and the Big Island, things look different. Prosecutors use the law to go after ghost gun cases. More than 50 people have been charged since 2020. They say the law is working. But in Honolulu? Not a single case has gone to court.

Why Honolulu Prosecutors Avoid the Law

Honolulu prosecutors say the law has problems. They claim it only applies to unassembled guns. If the weapon is already put together, they say the law doesn’t cover it. They also say they have to prove someone intended to build a ghost gun, which is hard to do.

Police and Lawmakers Push for Change

Police aren’t giving up. They keep adding ghost gun charges when they make arrests. They say prosecutors should use the law. Lawmakers are also stepping in. Two new bills could close the loopholes. One bill raises the penalties. The other makes possession illegal without a license. The fight is far from over.

The Rise of Ghost Guns in Hawaii

Ghost guns aren’t new. They’ve been around for decades. But in the last few years, they’ve become a bigger problem. People buy parts online and build their own guns at home. No background checks. They don’t have serial numbers. No way to trace them.

Hawaii used to have some of the strictest gun laws. The state has always been tough on firearms. That’s why ghost guns are such a concern. They bypass the rules. Criminals take advantage. That’s why lawmakers rushed to pass the 2020 law.

Why Ghost Guns Are Hard to Regulate

The problem is enforcement. Police can seize the weapons, but prosecutors need evidence. They have to prove when and how the gun was made. That’s not always easy to do.

Some criminals build these guns from kits. Others use 3D printers. The technology keeps advancing. The law hasn’t caught up yet.

What’s Next for Hawaii’s Gun Laws?

Lawmakers want stronger penalties. Some want to expand the law to include fully assembled ghost guns. Others want tighter restrictions on gun parts. The debate is far from over.

Hawaii has always valued safety. The community wants action. The push for change continues.