129 firearms turned in during gun buyback event on Maui

Nearly 130 guns were turned in during the Maui Police Department’s gun buyback event held Saturday, June 14, at the Maui County Service Center in Kahului. The program is part of a broader effort to reduce the risk of gun violence and accidental shootings by removing unwanted and potentially dangerous weapons from homes and streets.

The event resulted in the following being turned in:

• Handguns: 45
• Rifles: 45
• Shotguns: 36
• Illegal firearms: 3
  • High Standard sawed-off, short-barrel shotgun
  • AK-47 fully automatic
  • US Carbine short-barrel, sawed-off

During the process, 122 gift cards (totaling $12,200) were distributed to participants who handed over their firearms.

“We are encouraged by the strong community response to this gun buyback program, and we sincerely thank everyone who participated, said Chief of Police John Pelletier. “Every firearm turned in is one less opportunity for tragedy—and one more step toward a safer community.”