Honolulu, Hawaii – Honolulu police are advocating for stringent regulations on the assembly and possession of “ghost guns” after revealing a significant uptick in the confiscation of these untraceable firearms. By the end of October, law enforcement authorities had seized 88 of these weapons, marking a dramatic 70% increase from the previous year. Ghost guns lack serial numbers, making them nearly impossible for officials to track when used in criminal activities.
These weapons are typically constructed from kits that can be easily purchased and assembled without much technical skill, using common household tools. This accessibility is alarming to law enforcement agencies, as demonstrated by Major Mike Lambert of the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division during a recent press briefing. Lambert presented a series of instructional videos readily available online, illustrating the simplicity with which individuals can manufacture lethal firearms, including AR-15 style rifles and handguns capable of firing dozens of rounds in seconds.
The increase in ghost gun recoveries correlates with broader national trends where such firearms are more frequently appearing at crime scenes. Between 2016 and 2021, over 45,000 suspected ghost guns were reported to federal authorities, with several linked to violent crimes, including homicides. These firearms can be crafted using 3D printers or so-called “buy-build-shoot” kits, which provide all necessary components to assemble a functional weapon.
The issue of ghost guns extends beyond adults with convictions; Honolulu police are increasingly finding juveniles in possession of these weapons. The department is pushing for legislative changes that would treat the possession of multiple gun parts as a misdemeanor. This move aims to educate gun owners about the potential hazards of ghost gun assembly while tightening enforcement against illegal possession.
Moreover, legislation is sought to make it a Class B felony for any convicted felon to possess any gun parts. These proposed laws are part of a broader initiative by Honolulu police to curb the proliferation of homemade firearms. This initiative also includes advocating for national and state-level regulations on the transfer of unfinished gun components across state lines, which are currently not classified as complete firearms and thus evade traditional gun sale regulations.
The challenges posed by ghost guns are compounded by the legal ambiguities surrounding the sale and possession of partially complete firearms, known technically as receiver blanks. These items, once completed into firearms, are regulated under existing gun control laws, yet remain largely unchecked in their unfinished state.
In response to the growing menace of ghost guns, the Honolulu Police Department has joined forces with federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to form a specialized task force. This collaboration is part of the Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, aimed at addressing serious crime linked to drug trafficking, which often intersects with illegal gun usage.
Amid these local and national efforts, the U.S. Supreme Court began deliberations in April on a case targeting a rule proposed by the ATF. This rule would require ghost gun kit sellers to embed serial numbers on parts and conduct background checks akin to those required for completed firearms.
Hawaii already has comprehensive legislation targeting ghost guns, enacted in 2020. It mandates strict measures like requiring serial numbers and extends existing background check and licensing requirements to any transfer of incomplete firearm receivers. These measures underscore a proactive approach to a growing national concern, reflecting a commitment to public safety and crime prevention.
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