Hawaii has recently provided an inaugural report detailing the number of individuals permitted to carry concealed handguns within the state. The Department of the Attorney General revealed that as of December 31, 2022, a total of 2,207 residents hold such licenses, accounting for approximately 0.2% of the state’s population aged 20 and above. On the island of Oahu, 1,356 people have been granted licenses to carry handguns in public, while other islands, including Hawaii with 425 licenses, Maui with 183, and Kauai with 243, have lesser numbers.
The validity of a concealed carry license in Hawaii is four years, with regulations varying by county. Data indicates that license holders are predominantly male, aged between 30 and 50, and are often of Caucasian, Filipino, Hawaiian, or Japanese descent. The report, mandated annually by law, was compiled by Paul Perrone, the Attorney General’s chief of research and statistics.
The Supreme Court’s decision on June 22, 2022, in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, impacted Hawaii’s permitting process by removing the discretion previously held by police chiefs to deny permits to law-abiding citizens who meet the counties’ basic requirements. This led to a significant shift in licensing policies.
In 2023, Governor Josh Green enacted Act 52, which outlines specific locations where licensed firearm carriers are restricted from carrying guns, such as private properties, beaches, parks, and establishments serving alcohol. This law also mandates that permit holders must possess and disclose their license when carrying a firearm and prohibits leaving firearms unsecured in unattended vehicles.
Furthermore, Bill 57, signed by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, bans firearms in 13 sensitive locations across Oahu, including schools, hospitals, and popular sites like the Waikiki Aquarium. These legal changes have necessitated adjustments from county police departments to accommodate the evolving federal, state, and county policies.
Understanding the Impact
The introduction of the concealed carry report provides insights into Hawaii’s evolving stance on firearm regulation. For residents, the changes reflect a broader national dialogue on gun rights and safety. The data highlights a relatively low adoption rate of concealed carry permits compared to other states, suggesting that legislative and procedural hurdles may be influencing these numbers.
The new regulations under Act 52 and Bill 57 emphasize a cautious approach, prioritizing public safety by restricting firearms in sensitive areas. This approach could reassure citizens concerned about gun violence, as officials report no significant increase in gun-related crimes linked to legal permit holders. The focus remains on maintaining a balance between individual rights and community safety, impacting how residents navigate public spaces and interact with law enforcement policies.