In 2023, Hawaii substantially changed its criteria for issuing concealed carry licenses. As of January 1, 2024, the chief of police of a county shall issue a concealed carry license to an applicant who:1
- Is not prohibited under state law from the ownership or possession of a firearm (see Hawaii Background Checks and Hawaii Prohibited Purchasers Generally);
- Is not found to be lacking the essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm. In determining whether a person lacks the essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm, the licensing authority shall consider whether the person poses a danger of causing a self-inflicted bodily injury or unlawful injury to another person, as evidenced by:
- Information from a health care provider indicating that the person has had suicidal or homicidal thoughts or tendencies within the preceding five years;
- Statements or actions by the person indicating any dangerous propensity or violent animus toward one or more individuals or groups, including groups based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other characteristic, and the propensity or animus is of a nature or to an extent that would objectively indicate to a reasonable observer that it would not be in the interest of the public health, safety, or welfare for the person to own, possess, or control a firearm or ammunition; or
- Other information that would lead a reasonable, objective observer to conclude that the person presents or would present a danger to the community as a result of carrying a firearm in public or intends or is likely to use a firearm for an unlawful purpose or in an unlawful manner.
- Is a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States or a duly accredited official representative of a foreign nation;
- Is a resident of Hawaii; and
- Is 21-years-of-age or older.
A concealed carry license is void if a licensee becomes disqualified from the ownership, possession, or control of a firearm. The license shall be subject to revocation and shall be returned to the chief of police of the appropriate county within forty-eight hours after the license becomes void or is revoked.
Firearm Safety Training
An applicant for a concealed carry permit must have completed a course of training that
- Is acceptable to the licensing authority;
- Includes in-person instruction on firearm safety; firearm handling; shooting technique; safe storage; legal methods to transport firearms and secure firearms in vehicles; laws governing places in which persons are prohibited from carrying a firearm; firearm usage in low-light situations; situational awareness and conflict management; and laws governing firearms, including information regarding the circumstances in which deadly force may be used for self-defense or the defense of another;
- Includes a component on mental health and mental health resources;
- Is conducted by one or more firearms instructors certified or verified by the chief of police of the respective county or a designee of the chief of police or certified by a nongovernmental organization approved for those purposes by the chief of police of the respective county or a designee of the chief of police, or conducted by one or more certified military firearms instructors;
- Requires participants to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics by achieving a score of at least seventy per cent on a written examination; and
- Includes live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.
Duration & Renewal
A concealed weapons license is valid for four years from the date of issue and may be renewed.2
Disclosure or Use of Information
Within ten days after the last day of each month, all issuing authorities must report to the Department of the Attorney General all permits and licenses issued or revoked by the authority as of the last day of the preceding month.3
Reciprocity
Hawaii has no provisions allowing concealed weapons license holders from other states to carry their concealed firearms in Hawaii.
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