FREE GUN SAFETY LOCKS AVAILABLE AT COUNTY FAIR

For Immediate Release:  September 29, 2005

FREE GUN SAFETY LOCKS AVAILABLE AT COUNTY FAIR

WAILUKU, MAUI – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., who is on Maui today visiting schools and participating in the 83rd Annual Maui County Fair and Parade, encourages Maui gun owners to pick up a free gun safety kit at the Maui Police Department (MPD) Community Services booth at the County Fair.  The safety kits, which include gun safety locks, will be available starting today through Sunday, Oct. 2.

Locks can also be picked up at the MPD Community Relations Office (244-6380) and at the Governor’s Liaison Office (2264 Aupuni St. #1, 243-5796).

The Lt. Governor’s Office, along with federal and county enforcement agencies, have partnered with Project ChildSafe, the nation’s largest firearm safety education program, to distribute 60,000 free safety gun locks to promote firearm safety in the community.  The cable-style locks require firearms to be unloaded before installation, providing an extra level of safety.

Hawai`i law makes storing or leaving a firearm within reach or easy access of a child under the age of 16 a misdemeanor whether the firearm has been used or not.

Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program that promotes safe firearms handling and storage practices with safety education and free firearm safety kits.  The program is a component of Project Safe Neighborhoods and is supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

For more information about Project ChildSafe or to obtain a free firearm safety kit, call the Office of the Lt. Governor at (808) 586-0255.

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For more information, contact:
Celyn Chong Kee  
Public Liaison  
Phone: (808) 586-0274

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043