Gun permit applications decline

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i rejected firearm applications at a rate lower then the national average last year as the total number of gun permit applications in the state decreased by almost 3 percent, according to a study released by the Attorney General's office.

Hawai'i's 1.7 percent rejection rate is lower then the 2.1 percent figure reported for all state and local agencies conducting background checks for firearm purchases and transfers in 2002.

Paul Perrone, chief of Research and Statistics for the Attorney General's office, said the low number is a testament to the lawful nature of most gun owners in the state.

"You would think our rate would be higher then the national average," Perrone said. "There are relatively few disqualified people attempting to purchase firearms through lawful channels. The system seems to be working."

Of the 6,792 permit applications processed in the state last year, 94.5 percent were approved with permits issued. An additional 3.8 percent were approved but subsequently voided after the applicants missed a deadline, and 1.7 percent were rejected for various reasons.