Police Recover Stun Guns at Makuu Market

[opihikao]

FYI: (*Snipped - More at link)

http://westhawaiitoday.com/community-bul...una-market

Big Island police recovered two electronic stun devices from a vendor Sunday at the Makuu Farmers Market in Pahoa and have initiated a criminal investigation into violations of laws specific to electric guns, possession and sale.

Devices that were recovered had the appearance of a cellular phone. Police received additional information that other devices previously displayed had the appearance of a Maglight type flashlight, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Police remind the public that the possession, sale, gift or delivery of electric guns/devices is illegal under section 134-16 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and is a misdemeanor offense. The definition of an “electric gun” means any portable device that is electrically operated to project a missile or electromotive force. Persons who may have purchased such a device are advised to destroy the item or turn it in to the nearest police station for recovery and destruction.

Use of an electronic gun on another person (by anyone other than a law enforcement officer in the lawful course of duties) would fall under the assault section of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Anyone with information about other vendors selling similar devices to report this to the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311.

[microage97]

I walked by while the peeps were showing people how effective they are. Wow! Speedily walked the other direction.

[rainyjim]

Okay, at risk of raising dander...

Is it not curious that we can have real guns but not stun guns?

[lavalava]

Fat people have heart attacks when tazed? JK! I have no idea why I cannot taze an intruder, but I can shoot him.

[oink]

I didn't interpret the article as referring to taser type devices but to the stun gun type that must be held against the subject to be effective. I really don't understand why they're illegal as they make poor offensive weapons and only mediocre defensive weapons.

I have a good familiarity with both types of devices having "tested" both several times. I've also had both used on me in training classes.

The type of device the article seems to be referring to really aren't any big deal and despite the hype and original advertising really work as more of a pain compliance device than as a "disabling" device. They do make fun toys in the right social setting. They might sometimes work effectively for a smaller or weaker person in protecting them from a larger or stronger person, through fear of the device.

I watched in a training class while an instructor, from behind and with both hands, placed and activated a stun gun (Nova police model) against the front chest of a volunteer (we took a collection and paid him $100). This was to demonstrate how wonderfully effective the device was. We watched as the volunteer worked through the pain and relieved the instructor of the device. I was impressed by the volunteer but not the device. I only recall one experience where it worked effectively on the street.

Point being it's a big deal about nothing.

PS: Tasers, on the other hand, can work pretty well in many, but not all, cases.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.