More than 2,200 individuals in Hawaii possess licenses to carry concealed handguns in public, according to data from the state Department of the Attorney General. As of December 31, licenses were held by 2,207 residents, representing approximately 0.2% of the state’s population aged 20 and older. On the island of Oahu, 1,356 people are licensed, while Hawaii Island accounts for 425, Maui for 183, and Kauai for 243 licensees.
Kauai County and Hawaii County have a higher representation of license holders, with Kauai comprising 11.0% of statewide licensees despite only having 5.1% of the state’s population. Similarly, Hawaii County has 19.3% of licensees compared to its 14.5% share of the population, whereas the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County have lower representation.
Demographically, license holders are predominantly male, aged 30 to 50, and belong to Caucasian, Filipino, Hawaiian, or Japanese ethnic backgrounds. There are no significant differences in application outcomes based on age, gender, or race.
Throughout Hawaii, county police departments received 2,697 license-to-carry applications, issuing 2,456 permits. Some individuals possess multiple licenses to use different firearms. Additionally, 119 applications were denied, and six licenses were revoked. The full report is accessible on the Department of the Attorney General’s Research and Statistics website.
A landmark Supreme Court decision on June 22, 2022, in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen restricted the discretion of Hawaiian police chiefs to deny gun permits to law-abiding citizens meeting basic requirements outlined by each county.
The Bottom Line
The data on concealed handgun licenses in Hawaii highlights a nuanced landscape of firearm ownership across the state’s islands. The concentration of license holders in specific counties suggests varying levels of interest or necessity among residents. This could influence local policy discussions and community attitudes toward gun regulation and safety.
For residents, understanding the distribution and demographics of concealed carry licensees can provide insight into regional security dynamics. Additionally, the Supreme Court ruling underscores a shift toward more standardized criteria for obtaining these licenses, potentially affecting public safety strategies and law enforcement practices within the state.