Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Concealed Carry License Law and Requirements
Key Facts
- Hrs 134-9
- HRS 134-9 governs concealed carry licensing.
- Applicants Must
- Applicants must be 21+ and complete approved training.
- Sensitive-place Restrictions
- Sensitive-place restrictions are extensive and enumerated.
- Act (2023)
- Act 52 (2023) modernized the statute post-Bruen.
Summary
HRS 134-9 governs Hawaii concealed carry licensing. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Bruen decision, Hawaii revised standards but maintains stringent training, application, and sensitive-place requirements administered by county police chiefs.
§134-9 Licenses to carry. (a) The chief of police of a county shall grant a license to an applicant to carry a pistol or revolver and ammunition concealed on the licensee's person within the State, if the applicant: (1) Satisfies each of the criteria established by or pursuant to subsection (d); (2) Is not prohibited under section 134-7 from the ownership, possession, or control of a firearm and ammunition; (3) Is not found to be lacking the essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm as set forth in subsection (h); (4) Is a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States or a duly accredited official representative of a foreign nation; (5) Is a resident of the State; and (6) Is of the age of twenty-one years or more.
Full Breakdown
Under HRS 134-9, the chief of police of each county may issue a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver to qualified applicants who are at least 21, of good moral character, and have completed approved firearms training. Act 52 (2023) updated the statute after New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, removing the prior 'exceptional case' standard for shall-issue style review while imposing detailed training, fingerprinting, and background-check requirements. The law also designates extensive 'sensitive places' where concealed carry is forbidden, including schools, government buildings, hospitals, bars, beaches, and parks. Licensees must comply with all transport, storage, and place restrictions or face criminal penalties.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying without a license is a class B felony under HRS 134-25; carrying in a designated sensitive place under HRS 134-9.1 is a separate criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues concealed carry licenses in Hawaii?
Where is concealed carry prohibited?
Is training required?
Sources
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