Who can file for a gun violence protective order?
The following people can file a petition if they believe there is a “significant danger” that the respondent will harm him/herself or others by owning, buying, or receiving a firearm or ammunition or by having a firearm or ammunition in his/her custody or control:
- the respondent’s “family or household member,” which includes:
- a current or former spouse;
- a current or former reciprocal beneficiary, which is someone with whom the respondent has a significant personal, emotional, and economic relationships but is prohibited from legally marrying;2
- a parent;
- a child;
- a relative by blood or adoption;
- a current or former dating partner;
- the other parent of his/her child; or
- someone s/he lives or lived with, including as an adult roommate or romantic partner;
- a law enforcement officer;
- a licensed doctor, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has examined the respondent;
- an educator who works at a school or other learning institution to which the respondent has a connection; or
- the respondent’s co-worker.1
1 HI ST § 134-61; 572C-4