HB 1543 Summary

• Establishes gun violence protective orders in Hawaii allowing law enforcement officers, family or household members, medical professionals, educators, and colleagues to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing an imminent danger to themselves or others.

• Creates two types of orders: ex parte orders issued immediately without notice (valid until hearing within 14 days) and one-year protective orders issued after a hearing where the court finds by preponderance of evidence that the respondent poses a danger.

• Requires respondents to voluntarily surrender or dispose of all firearms and ammunition within 48 hours of service, with police authorized to take custody of weapons; violators subject to criminal penalties.

• Allows respondents to request early termination of one-year orders by proving they no longer pose a significant danger, and permits petitioners to seek renewal within three months before expiration.

• Directs courts to report all orders to the Hawaii criminal justice data center for inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and requires law enforcement to maintain records of surrendered firearms for return, sale to licensed dealers, or disposal after six months.