Aloha Governor Ige,

I am writing to you to ask that you do not veto House Bill 2071 relating to Law Enforcement. This is an important bill to improve our law enforcement agencies overall and to establish minimum standards for all individuals who carry a firearm and who have arrest powers. Hawaii is one of the few states that does not have statewide standards, and it would be a huge mistake for you to not allow our law enforcement agencies to allow certification and de-certification of officers.

Police corruption and misconduct have been in the news for several years now. While most officers are law-abiding professionals respected by the public. I believe HB 2071 will help restore faith and confidence back to law enforcement given that we have had high profile corruption cases and convictions in our state. A review of our recruitment, education, training, and supervision of law enforcement is in order.

If you are listening to the police or law enforcement officers, you are listening to the wrong people.

HB 2701 is a positive step in law enforcement reform, and many residents I have spoken to support the measure. Please don’t veto this landmark legislation to help improve law enforcement. If you are listening to the police or law enforcement officers, you are listening to the wrong people.

Also, please do not veto Senate Bill 2407 also which allows medical cannabis to be used to address opioid use and substance abuse. This is an important bill for the healthcare industry and patients. I believe this bill will save lives and decrease deaths in Hawaii.

Thank you for your time on these matters.

Respectfully,

Will Espero

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