HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) is organizing a community gun buyback event to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence in Hawaii.
The event is set for Saturday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aloha Stadium Lower Parking Lot on Oahu.
Participants can enter the lot from Salt Lake Boulevard near the intersection of Salt Lake Boulevard and Kahuapaani Street.
Residents who turn in firearms will receive compensation in the form of Foodland gift cards. The amounts are as follows:
$200 for automatic or semi-automatic rifles and ghost guns.
$100 for handguns, rifles, shotguns, bump stocks, and Glock switches.
There is no limit on the number of firearms turned in, but each person can receive a maximum of three gift cards. Both functional and non-functional firearms will be accepted, but non-firearms will not qualify for the gift cards.
For those who prefer not to turn in their firearms but want to ensure their safety, gun locks will be available.
“Many people in the community are faced with the question of what to do with a firearm they no longer need,” said DLE Deputy Director Jared Redulla. “This buyback event offers a convenient and safe way to dispose of unwanted firearms.”
Future gun buyback events are being planned in collaboration with county law enforcement agencies across the state. Details on dates and locations will be announced later.
The buyback program is an amnesty initiative, meaning no questions will be asked and no identification is required for those dropping off firearms.
However, licensed gun dealers and active or retired law enforcement personnel are not eligible to participate. On-site officials have the authority to refuse to accept firearms or issue gift cards if necessary.