January 15, 2025
The Hawai‘i Legislature has begun its 2025 session with several gun-related bills already pre-filed. Among the proposed legislation, a number of bills seek to implement stricter regulations related to firearms, with gun control advocates continuing to advance their agenda this year.
Some of the key bills pre-filed or pending introduction include:
- House Bills 125, 136, and 138: These bills aim to impose mandates on firearm storage, including requiring firearms to be stored in locked boxes, safes, or with trigger locking devices. Advocates for these bills argue they are necessary for safety, while opponents cite concerns about accessibility and constitutional rights in light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in D.C. v. Heller, which found that overly restrictive storage requirements could infringe upon the right to bear arms.
- House Bill 150: This bill would prohibit individuals from lending firearms to others, with very limited exceptions. Under this proposal, firearms could only be loaned to individuals who already have a firearm permit or possess a registered firearm. Additionally, for rifles and shotguns, loans would be restricted to 12 hours or less.
- Senate Bill 174: This bill introduces restrictions on the purchase and possession of ammunition. If passed, individuals would be required to show their firearm registration when purchasing ammunition and could only purchase ammunition for their permitted firearms. Possessing ammunition for a caliber different from the registered firearm would be considered a criminal offense. The bill would also establish a licensing requirement for the sale or transfer of ammunition.
- Senate Bill 128: This bill seeks to remove an individual’s right to keep and bear arms following a conviction or even prosecution for trespassing on agricultural land, a charge classified as a petty misdemeanor. This proposal has raised concerns over its potential impact on due process and the constitutional rights of individuals.
- Senate Bill 308: This bill expands the state’s existing ban on detachable magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds to all firearms, not just pistols. Violations of this magazine ban could result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 if the magazine is inserted into a firearm.
Further gun-related legislation is expected to be introduced as the session progresses. Gun rights advocates, including organizations like the NRA, have stated their intention to continue fighting for Second Amendment rights and oppose these proposals. Public discussions and legislative hearings will likely shape the outcome of these bills in the coming months.