Book excerpt: Examines the impact of gun control measures, including a firearms ban on reducing the incidence of violent crime and accidental shootings in Hawaii. Sections: a right to bear arms -- for what purpose?; firearms bans: are they effective? (examines California, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, and international comparisons); impact of firearms ban on law enforcement; federal firearms control law and recent legislation. Tables. Prepared by state of Hawaii; valuable for all States.