Hawaii Gun Permit

Hawaii Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs

Hawaii is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene beaches, but it’s also one of the states with stringent gun permit laws and policies. If you’re a resident of Hawaii or planning to visit the state and want to understand the gun permit regulations, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need.

Hawaii Gun Permit Summary

Hawaii follows a May-issue policy for gun permits, meaning the county chief or local sheriff’s office will only issue a permit to individuals who can demonstrate a reasonable fear for personal injury or property loss. To purchase firearms in the state, you must complete a purchase permit after undergoing a criminal record background check.

How to Get a Gun Permit in Hawaii?

To obtain a gun permit in Hawaii, you must be at least twenty-one years old and legally eligible to possess a firearm without federal or state prohibition. The gun permit is applicable for both open and concealed carry, giving you the flexibility to choose how you want to carry your firearm.

Hawaii Gun Permit Laws

Hawaii is a licensed open carry state, meaning anyone with a pistol permit can carry firearms openly and concealed within the state. However, it’s crucial to note that possessing a firearm without a permit in Hawaii is considered a class B felony and can lead to severe prosecution.

Hawaii Pistol Permit Requirements

To apply for a Hawaii pistol permit, you must meet specific requirements:

  1. Age Requirement: You must be at least twenty-one years old, the age required for concealed carry.
  2. Legal Residency: You must be a legal resident of Hawaii.
  3. Reason for Use: You must prove a legitimate reason for possessing firearms, such as a threat to life or property.
  4. No Prohibitions: You must not have any prohibitions for firearm possession according to Hawaii gun laws.
  5. Mental Incapacitation: You must not have any mental incapacitation as adjudged by Hawaii gun laws.
  6. Training Course: You must meet the requirements for firearm use by passing a training course.
  7. Federal Requirements: You must meet all federal requirements to use firearms.
See also  Hawaii Open Carry

Different Types of Gun Permits in Hawaii

Hawaii issues several types of gun permits, each catering to different purposes:

  1. State Permit to Purchase Long Guns: For purchasing long guns, you need a state permit.
  2. State Permit to Purchase Handguns: Hawaii also issues a state permit specifically for purchasing handguns.
  3. State Permit to Open Carry: Hawaii allows open carry with a valid license.
  4. State Permit to Conceal Carry Handguns: If you want to carry a concealed handgun, you need a pistol permit.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Gun License in Hawaii?

The cost for an initial permit application in Hawaii is ten dollars, while fingerprinting will cost forty-two dollars.

Gun Permit Reciprocity in Hawaii

Hawaii does not honor gun permits from any other state in the USA. However, some states recognize Hawaii pistol permits. These states include:

  • Alabama
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Michigan
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Puerto Rico

On the other hand, some states have permitless carry laws, allowing individuals to possess firearms without a permit as long as they meet the minimum age requirements. These states include:

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

Relevant Gun Permit Laws and Legislature in Hawaii

To further understand the gun permit laws in Hawaii, let’s take a look at some specific regulations:

  1. Possession of Firearms in Private Vehicles: Carrying or possessing a firearm in a private car on Hawaii highways is prohibited, except for those with a valid pistol permit.
  2. Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas of the State: It is legal to possess firearms in roadside areas if you hold a valid pistol permit.
  3. Possession of Firearms in Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas: You can carry firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas if you have a Hawaii pistol permit.
  4. Possession of Firearms in Restaurants and Bars: Concealed carry is allowed in restaurants and bars for permit holders unless specifically prohibited by a sign.
  5. Possession of Firearms in Hotels or Similar Establishments: Private properties, including hotels, can choose to allow or prohibit the possession of firearms on their premises.
  6. Possession of Firearms in Worship Places: Gun laws in Hawaii do not prohibit firearm possession in places of worship, but the governing body of these places can choose to prohibit firearms through verbal communication or signage.
  7. Restricted Firearms and Ammunition: Hawaii prohibits large-capacity handguns or ammunition that can pierce armor and those that are Teflon coated.
See also  Hawaii Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW)

Process for Purchasing a Handgun in Hawaii

If you want to purchase a handgun in Hawaii, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Firearm Acquisition Form.
  2. Obtain a Hawaii pistol permit.
  3. Provide necessary documents, including a purchase receipt for the firearm, identification, proof of U.S. citizenship, and proof of firearm training completion.
  4. Consent to a mental health checkup and a criminal record background check, including fingerprinting.
  5. Wait for at least fourteen days to collect your purchase permit.
  6. Remember that the permit expires after ten days, and you must reapply for a new one to buy another firearm.

Firearm Training for Hawaii Pistol License

While there are no training requirements for concealed or open carry in Hawaii, obtaining a pistol permit or a purchase permit mandates firearm training. According to Hawaii gun statutes, you must undergo one of the following training options:

  1. Licensed hunter course in the state.
  2. Firearm training is organized by a law enforcement agency in the state or its political subdivisions.
  3. Firearm training for security agents, deputy sheriffs, peace officers, and law enforcement officers in Hawaii or its political subdivisions.
  4. Firearm training conducted by a state-certified instructor, NRA licensed instructor, or licensed military instructor with at least two hours of live fire sessions and four hours of classroom sessions covering safe handling and storing of firearms at home and Hawaii gun laws.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s gun permit laws are strict yet designed to maintain safety and security within the state. If you plan to own or carry firearms in Hawaii, it’s essential to follow these regulations carefully to avoid legal complications.

FAQs;

1- Is Hawaii an open-carry state?

See also  Hawaii Gun Laws

Yes, Hawaii is a licensed open carry state, allowing individuals with a valid pistol permit to carry firearms openly and concealed.

2- What is the minimum age to apply for a gun permit in Hawaii?

The minimum age to apply for a gun permit in Hawaii is twenty-one years old.

3- Can I use my Hawaii pistol permit in other states?

No, Hawaii does not honor gun permits from other states. However, some states recognize Hawaii pistol permits for visitors.

4- Are there any restrictions on ammunition in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii prohibits large-capacity handguns and ammunition that can pierce armor or are Teflon-coated.

5- Do I need to undergo firearm training to obtain a pistol permit in Hawaii?

Yes, it is mandatory to complete firearm training to obtain a pistol permit or a purchase permit in Hawaii.

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