A bill preventing the government from seizing legal firearms in Hawaii during an emergency has been passed.

The full Senate voted 21-0 today to approve the measure after it already passed the House.

The proposal prohibits the seizure of firearms or ammunition when the government invokes emergency powers during a disaster.

It gained momentum after February's tsunami warning, when lawmakers said their constituents asked if their weapons could be taken in an emergency situation.

Gun-rights activists have pursued this kind of law since Hurricane Katrina, when New Orleans police confiscated guns in an attempt to restore order.

The bill now advances to Gov. Linda Lingle.