HB 1531 - Assault Weapons Ban

• Adds new Part to Chapter 134, Hawaii Revised Statutes defining "assault weapon" to include selective-fire firearms, specified semiautomatic models, and semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns meeting certain criteria (detachable magazines, folding stocks, pistol grips, flash suppressors, etc.).

• Prohibits distribution, transportation, importation, possession, sale, transfer, manufacturing, or acquisition of assault weapons; violations constitute class B felony for distribution/transfer and class C felony for possession/manufacturing.

• Allows individuals to relinquish assault weapons to county police departments or state Department of Public Safety without penalty.

• Exempts law enforcement agencies, state Department of Defense, and armed services of the United States from prohibitions when acting in official capacity.

• Authorizes courts to impose extended prison terms for defendants who use assault weapons while committing murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault, assault, robbery, burglary, or theft crimes.