Hawaii gun laws

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Simplified Overview of Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 134: Firearms, Ammunition, and Dangerous Weapons (Updated as of May 5, 2025)

Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable firearm laws.

This section provides definitions for terms used throughout Chapter 134, including:

• Assault Rifle: A semiautomatic rifle with specific features such as a folding stock, pistol grip, or the ability to accept a detachable magazine, among others.
   
• Assault Shotgun: A semiautomatic shotgun with features like a revolving cylinder, pistol grip, or detachable magazine.
   
• .50 Caliber Firearm: A firearm (excluding shotguns) capable of firing .50 caliber or larger ammunition.
   
• Antique Firearm: As defined by federal law, typically firearms manufactured before 1899.
   

• Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old.
   
• Application Requirements:
   
  1. Personal information: name, address, physical description, date and place of birth, citizenship status, and Social Security or alien admission number.
      
  2. Fingerprinting and photographing by the police department.
      
  3. Mental health clearance from both state facilities and personal physicians.
      
  4. Consent for entry into the FBI's Rap Back system.
      
  5. For handguns: proof of firearms training (e.g., military training, or a certified pistol course).
      
  6. Payment of applicable fees.
      

• Permit Validity:
   
  • Handguns: A separate permit is required for each handgun.
     
  • Rifles/Shotguns: A single permit is valid for one year and covers multiple acquisitions.
     

• Individuals or entities wishing to use firearms as props must obtain a permit from the county police department.
   
• Fee: $50 per application.
   

• Mandatory Registration: All firearms acquired or brought into Hawaii must be registered within five days with the county police department.
   
• Exceptions: Antique firearms and certain muzzle-loading firearms are exempt.
   
• Out-of-State Acquisitions: Firearms obtained outside Hawaii must be registered upon arrival, following the same procedures as in-state acquisitions.
   
• Notification: Owners must notify the police department when a firearm is permanently removed from the state.
   

• Applicants must authorize their healthcare providers to disclose relevant mental health information to law enforcement for the purposes of firearm permitting and registration.
   

• Age Restrictions: Individuals under 18 cannot be transferred rifles or shotguns, with certain exceptions for hunting and target shooting.
  
   

• Individuals aged 16 or older may use firearms for hunting or target shooting if they have the appropriate licenses.
   
• Minors under 16 may use firearms for these purposes when accompanied by a licensed adult.
   
• Licensed hunters may carry an unconcealed pistol while engaged in hunting activities.
   

• Individuals prohibited from firearm ownership due to mental health adjudications may petition the circuit court for relief.
   

• Prohibited Persons: Includes individuals who are:
   
  • Convicted felons.
     
  • Under indictment for certain crimes.
     
  • Addicted to drugs or alcohol.
     
  • Diagnosed with significant mental disorders (unless cleared).
     
  • Subject to restraining orders.
     
• Penalties: Violations can result in felony charges and the seizure of firearms.
   

• During declared emergencies, government agencies cannot confiscate firearms or ammunition from individuals who are legally in possession, unless other laws are violated.
   

• Individuals who become disqualified from firearm ownership must surrender their firearms. Failure to do so may result in seizure by law enforcement.
   

• Law enforcement may seize firearms used or threatened to be used in domestic abuse incidents.
   
• Seized firearms may be returned if no charges are filed and no restraining orders are in place after seven days.
   

• Prohibited Items:
   
  • Automatic firearms.
     
  • Short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
     
  • Silencers, grenades, bombs, and other explosive devices.
     
  • Armor-piercing and explosive ammunition.
     
  • Detachable magazines with capacities exceeding ten rounds for any firearm.
     
• Penalties:
   
  • Class C felony for possession, manufacture, or sale of prohibited items.
     
  • Misdemeanor for possession of high-capacity magazines not inserted into a firearm; Class C felony if inserted.
    
     

• Devices that enable semiautomatic firearms to fire rapidly, such as bump stocks and trigger cranks, are prohibited.
   

• Eligibility: Individuals may apply for a license to carry a concealed or unconcealed firearm outside their home.
   
• Issuance: Each county police department is responsible for setting rules and requirements.
   

• It is illegal to alter or remove serial numbers or other identification marks on firearms.
   

• The manufacture, purchase, or possession of firearms without serial numbers (commonly known as "ghost guns") is prohibited.
   

• Firearms must be stored securely to prevent access by minors under 16 years of age.
   

• Certain individuals and entities, such as law enforcement officers and military personnel, are exempt from specific provisions of Chapter 134 when acting within the scope of their duties.
   

• Firearms and other dangerous weapons used in the commission of crimes may be forfeited and destroyed or used by law enforcement agencies.
   

• Firearm permits may be revoked for good cause by the issuing authority.
   

• County police chiefs must report firearm permit and registration data to the Attorney General monthly.
   

• Firearms made from materials with melting points below 800 degrees Fahrenheit, such as certain zinc alloys, are prohibited.
   
• Exceptions: Firearms registered before July 1, 1975, and antique firearms.
   

• As of January 1, 2022, the possession and use of electric guns (e.g., stun guns, Tasers) are legal, subject to specific regulations.
   

• False Information: Providing false information during the permitting or registration process is a misdemeanor or, in certain cases, a Class C felony.
   
• Other Violations: Penalties vary depending on the specific section violated.
   

• Physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists who provide information to law enforcement regarding firearm applicants are granted immunity from civil liability.
   

• These sections outline legal requirements for the carrying, storage, and transportation of firearms and ammunition, emphasizing secure storage and restrictions on carrying firearms in public places.
   

• The manufacture, possession, or use of homemade explosive devices is illegal.
   

• Firearm owners must report lost, stolen, or destroyed firearms to the police within 24 hours of discovery.
   

• Individuals or businesses engaged in the sale or manufacture of firearms must obtain a license and adhere to specific conditions. Violations may result in penalties.
   

• In the event of a national emergency declared by the governor or a senior military official, certain provisions related to firearms may be enacted.
   

For the complete and most current legal text, please refer to the official Hawaii State Legislature website: HRS Chapter 134.