Hawai‘i Police Department to Hold Public Hearings About New Firearms Rules

The Hawai‘i Police Department wants to let the public know about two public hearings where people can share their thoughts on proposed changes to the rules about gun permits and licenses.

The department plans to cancel its old rules for carrying concealed and unconcealed weapons, which were made in 1997. New rules called Rule 1 and Rule 2 will be created. These new rules will update the process for getting gun permits and licenses and explain what people can do if their permit or license is denied.  The proposed changes bring the rules into compliance with a state law that went into effect January 2024.

Public Hearing Dates and Locations

• Monday, August 11, 2025
  Time: 5:00 p.m.
  Place: West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Council Chambers
  74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kailua-Kona
  
• Thursday, August 14, 2025
  Time: 5:00 p.m.
  Place: Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale
  799 Pi‘ilani Street, Hilo

At these meetings, anyone can give comments or share opinions about the proposed changes. Each person will have three minutes to speak. You can also send written comments to:
Hawai‘i Police Department Records Section
349 Kapi‘olani Street
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Written comments will be part of the official record. Comments sent after the hearings may not be considered.

Copies of the proposed rule changes can be read online at https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/services/firearm-services/ or in person at the Records Section in Hilo, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copies cost 10 cents per page plus mailing fees. To request copies, please call (808) 961-2233.

If you need special help or an accommodation because of a disability to take part in these hearings, please call (808) 961-2233 at least five business days before the meeting.