Firearm applications
declined last year
The number of personal firearm permit applications processed in Hawaii last year declined 2.8 percent from the previous year, according to a report from the attorney general's office released yesterday.
Of the 6,792 permit applications processed in the state last year, 94.5 percent were approved with permits issued. Another 3.8 percent were approved but subsequently voided after the applicants failed to return for their permits within a specified time period, and 1.7 percent were rejected for various reasons.
More than half of the rejections were for mental health issues and treatment, the report said. That included convicted drunken drivers who were ordered to undergo alcohol abuse assessment, which the police departments interpret as a form of mental health treatment and grounds for rejection.
Hawaii's rejection rate compares with a 2.1 percent national rejection rate for state and local agencies conducting background checks for firearm permits.
Law enforcement officials estimate there are more than 1 million privately owned firearms in Hawaii.
The permits issued last year covered 14,924 firearms, compared with 15,822 the year before.