Informing the Legislature that on May 13, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2342 HD1 SD2 (ACT 021).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii, updates state regulations regarding firearms to address public safety concerns. It makes it a class C felony to knowingly carry a firearm while committing a separate misdemeanor offense, with penalties applied in addition to those for the underlying crime. The law also establishes a mandatory permit system for acquiring any firearm, requiring applicants to provide detailed personal information, undergo fingerprinting, and allow access to their mental health records. These measures aim to clarify existing laws and strengthen oversight of firearm ownership and use in the state.