Ing Introduces Bill to Prohibit Officers from Drinking While Carrying Firearms

Kaniela Ing, courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

State Representative Kaniela Ing of Maui introduced a bill this legislative session that would prohibit law enforcement officers from consuming alcohol while in possession of a firearm.

The proposed measure came as a result of a an incident involving Christopher Deedy on Nov. 5, 2011, in which the US State Department special agent fatally shot Kollin Elderts in a struggle at the Kuhio Avenue McDonald’s on Oʻahu.

Deedy was in Hawaiʻi to provide security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and was off duty at the time the incident occurred.

Rep. Ing will join the Justice for Kollin Elderts Coalition and the Elderts ʻohana during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 13, at the State Capitol.

The proposal seeks to address concerns identified following Elderts’ death and was introduced by Rep. Ing at the request of the victim’s family.

The item was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 2, 2015, and is drafted to take effect on July 1, 2015, if approved as written.