Hawaii Gov. Signs Bill Placing Gun Owners in FBI Database

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has signed a bill that would enroll gun owners into an FBI criminal database and notify police if a gun-owning state resident is arrested anywhere else in the country.

Hawaii would be the first state to register firearm owners into the FBI's "Rap Back" database, which monitors criminal activity anywhere in the U.S.

Ige said that the legislation is about community safety and responsible gun ownership. He adds that the ultimate goal is to help law enforcement agencies protect island locals and visitors.

Under the new law, the Honolulu Police Department will be able to decide whether a firearm owner should continue to possess a gun after being arrested.

It’s a measure that the authorities and state Sen. Will Espero, who introduced the bill, say could serve as a model for other states.

But critics say gun owners shouldn't have to be entered in a database to practice a constitutional right.

"As you can imagine, the NRA finds this one of the most extreme bills we've ever seen," said Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action.

Hunter told New York Daily News that the law could affect gun owners outside Hawaii because the state requires visitors carrying guns to register.

As a result, they could be added to "Rap Back" because they arrived in the state with a gun, she said.

The law took effect immediately.