LIHU‘E — With gun sales on the rise nationally, steps must be taken to ensure safe usage and a full understanding of the inherent dangers of owning a lethal weapon, local officials said recently. The Democrats’ majority in Congress and
LIHU‘E — With gun sales on the rise nationally, steps must be taken to ensure safe usage and a full understanding of the inherent dangers of owning a lethal weapon, local officials said recently.
The Democrats’ majority in Congress and control of the White House has Americans fearful of weapons becoming outlawed, resulting in “panic buying,” Kaua‘i Police Detective Carl Oliver said.
On top of that, escalating crime largely related to illegal drugs and the “economic crunch” creates a higher demand for weapons, he said.
Gun applications on Kaua‘i have risen considerably in recent years, according to statistics from KPD Acting Assistant Chief Scott Yagihara. Total gun applications in 2005 were 390. The number increased to 908 in 2008 and is on pace for a similar mark in 2009.
“Although crime is a concern on Kaua‘i and we want our residents to protect themselves, it is my hope that we never reach the point where we feel we need to arm ourselves to be safe,” Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said in a statement. “I encourage everyone to look out for one another as Kaua‘i is still a rural community. Through the efforts of KPD and by expanding our neighborhood watch programs, I believe we can make a positive difference in the fight against crime.”
While there is only one retail outlet on the island for handguns, several dealers across Kaua‘i are licensed to operate and sell out of their homes. The waiting period currently in existence for pistols can reach up to six months, Oliver said.
In addition, people must complete a firearms safety training course and apply for a permit prior to their purchase. One permit is issued per handgun, he said.
Though the wait is long and the process bothersome, it hasn’t stopped individuals from applying. Some residents have become more determined than ever to acquire a weapon for protection.
After having valuables stolen from her home last month in broad daylight, Virgie Navor-Gaitos has since begun the process of obtaining a gun for self-defense purposes.
“I had to go and get protection for me,” Navor-Gaitos said in an Oct. 31 article in The Garden Island entitled “Daytime break-in rattles Kapa‘a woman.”
“It’s time for good people to fight back.”
KPD Assistant Chief Roy Asher said he hopes those who feel the need to purchase guns for self protection or otherwise will know exactly when and how to use them.
There are more accidental discharges resulting in death or major injuries than the guns are ever used for defensive purposes, he said.
“I can only hope people exercise caution and get the proper training,” Asher said.
Though he cannot recommend whether people should consider acquiring guns for their protection, Asher said, “It’s their right” if they choose to do so.
He noted that burglaries usually occur when someone is not physically present within their residence.
Oliver agreed that potential gun owners should gain all the necessary background information and training before buying anything.
“There is a legitimate purpose for self-defense with a firearm,” he said.
But, Oliver said, people must be careful about when and how they pull the trigger. Those unfamiliar with the operation of a gun, for example, could pierce a bullet through sheetrock when aiming for their target and accidentally hit an innocent person on the other side.
“Be sure of your target and its background and surroundings,” Oliver said. “If you are trained correctly, you should never have an accident with a firearm.”
Diligently putting firearms away is also key to safety, Asher said.
And if you’re not willing to use a gun, you shouldn’t have one, Oliver added. They are not toys and shouldn’t be handled with drugs or alcohol.
As far as burglaries are concerned, they are also highly sought after by thieves, Oliver said. Convicted felons are “never supposed to have them.”
Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported the completion of more than 100 million background checks for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System — which regulates the sales of firearms across America — over the past decade and had more than 700,000 denials, according to the FBI Web site. Mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the system has been in effect for more than a decade.
“There are so many firearms in America,” Oliver said. “But, there are things you need to know about the operation, just like driving a car.”
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
