HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi Police Department is changing the rules about gun permits and licenses, and the public is invited to share their thoughts.
The department plans to cancel its old rules for carrying concealed and unconcealed weapons, which were made back 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.
The official public hearings will take place on the following dates:
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 and share opinions about the proposed changes. Each person will be allowed three minutes to speak.
Written comments can also be sent to the Hawaiʻi Police Department Records Section, 349 Kapi‘olani Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720.
The proposed rule changes can be read online on the Hawaiʻi Police Department website.