FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honolulu, HI) – Governor David Ige addressed gun laws for our schools, “Safety for our students and educators has always been a priority.  Violence and the senseless use of guns attacking innocent children and educators is unacceptable and we have taken action to ensure that our classrooms and playgrounds are safe.

“It is my firm belief that responsible, common sense gun laws are needed to stop these tragic shootings.  That is why I have fought for the toughest gun laws in the nation.  Hawaii is the only state in the country to take on the NRA and require more rigorous FBI background checks for gun owners, keeping guns out of the hands of stalkers, sexual harassers and the seriously mentally ill.  These measures are actively saving lives.  As a result, we are one of the states with the fewest gun deaths.  In other words, these laws work.

“I feel strongly that the idea of arming people in our schools is a big mistake.  This idea from Clayton Hee and President Trump is misguided and extreme.  There is much more that needs to be done at the Federal level.  I’m frustrated by the failure of Congress to pass stricter gun laws to protect our children and all of our citizens. Arming teachers is not the answer."

“In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Florida, we are committed to additional safety. Plans are underway with the Department of Education and our local law enforcement authorities to survey our current safety plans.  And I, for one, intend to walk out with the students for 17 minutes to demonstrate the need for stronger gun laws in our country.”

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Media Contact:            Glenna Wong, [email protected], (808) 291-4035