Hawaii: Legislature Adjourns Sine Die, Marking Defeat of Several Anti-Gun Bills

On Friday, May 8th, the Hawaii State Legislature adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session. A number of anti-gun bills were introduced and debated but all were ultimately defeated when the legislature came to a close. 

Anti-gun bills defeated this session include:

House Bill 2062 would have directed taxpayer dollars toward "public awareness campaigns" promoting Hawaii's red flag laws while also appropriating funds to the judiciary for the "efficient processing" of anticipated increased GVRO caseloads.

Senate Bill 2503 would have appropriated funds for the state’s gun buyback program, including at least two gun buyback events in each county.

Senate Bill 2517 would have negatively affected Hawaii's already unconstitutional red flag laws, raising serious due process concerns by imposing automatic felony penalties without full evidentiary hearings for "Gun Violence Protection Orders."

Senate Bill 2575 would have elevated possession, control, or transfer of a firearm or ammunition while subject to a GVPO from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony. It is important to note that red flag laws have long raised serious due process concerns because they allow the government to suspend a fundamental constitutional right through a civil proceeding rather than a criminal conviction. SB 2575 would have turned a civil red flag proceeding into a direct pipeline to a felony conviction, where diminished due process can mean the permanent loss of your rights.

Senate Bill 2576 would have expanded Hawaii’s prohibited persons list by adding a non-violent offense, resulting in the loss of Second Amendment rights for individuals who pose no threat to public safety.

Senate Bill 2720 would have created a “no-fault” Firearm Injury Restitution Fund, financed by licensed firearm manufacturers as a condition of participation in the state’s market.

Senate Bill 3041, known as the "Anti-Wolford" Bill, would have required restaurants and businesses open to the public to post color-coded placards indicating if they allowed the carry of firearms or long knives on their premises. Click HERE to read more.

Thank you to NRA Members and all Second Amendment supporters who contacted their lawmakers and were engaged throughout the session.

Your National Rifle Association will be back in Honolulu next year, defending your Second Amendment rights and Hawaii's hunting heritage. Please stay tuned to your inbox and www.nraila.org for updates during the interim.