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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Gun ownership switch
requires several steps

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Question: I have a pair of handguns that I used for target shooting at the Koko Head pistol range. I want to give these pistols to my nephew, who would like to do the same. These handguns are registered with the Honolulu Police Department. What is the procedure for me to transfer the ownership to his name?

Answer: Your nephew must be at least 21 years old and be able to show proof via a certificate that he has successfully completed a handgun safety course.

Classes sponsored by the National Rifle Association are offered locally by gun shops (check the Yellow Pages under "guns") and by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, said Sgt. Criz Caraang of the Honolulu Police Department's Firearms Section.

(DLNR's two-day Hunter Education Course is held twice a month, year-round. Call 587-0200 to register. The course is free.)

When the two requirements are met, your nephew should bring the current registrations of your handguns, a photo ID and proof of citizenship if he was born abroad to HPD's Firearms Section, located at HPD's main station, 801 S. Beretania St., in the Records and Identification Division.

Caraang said there is a 14-day waiting period, during which an "investigative process" -- a background check -- is conducted. At the end of that period, "barring any disqualifying issues," your nephew will be issued a "Permit to Acquire."

The next step is for your nephew to present the permit to you. You must date and sign the "transferor" line on the back of the permit. Only then may you physically transfer the guns to him, Caraang said.

Finally, your nephew must personally bring the signed permit along with the two handguns to the Firearms Section to re-register the guns and finalize the transfer.

Auwe

I was driving home on the H-1 freeway, heading west, in late November. Just before I got to the overpass going toward Pearl City, I noticed a group of kids on the overpass. One young man stood at the edge, and I was pretty well aware of what he intended to do. As I approached, he threw his soda over. It went all over my windshield, and I couldn't see anything for a few seconds. Fortunately, I could turn on my wipers and avert an accident. His parents and parents in general should make children realize that doing something like that is extremely dangerous. I don't know what school they go to, but maybe the principal should make a point to tell students that they shouldn't be throwing anything over the overpass. -- No Name

(Luckily, Hawaii hasn't had to resort to caging their overpasses because of more serious incidents like this or even because of people jumping in suicide attempts, noted police Lt. Keith Lima, of the Pearl City station.

(Depending on what results, someone tossing something over an overpass could face felony charges, not to mention a civil lawsuit, he said. He advises parents to warn their youngsters that what might seem like a harmless prank could have serious consequences.)

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Useful phone numbers

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Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com