Hawaii: Gun Ban Bill Defeated as Legislature Adjourned

On Friday, May 2^nd, the Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die from their 2025 session. This marked the defeat of Senate Bill 401, which would have banned certain semi-automatic rifles, “assault shotguns” and standard capacity magazines. Just two days prior to adjournment, SB 401 was set to receive a final floor vote for passage but was amended in a last-minute move by a vote of 13-12. As a result of the amendment, the bill was sent back to its conference committee that did not have any scheduled meetings before the session adjourned on Friday. Thank you to all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters that contacted lawmakers to urge their opposition to SB 401 throughout the session! Additionally, thank you to the 13 Senators that voted to amend the bill and return it to committee.

While SB 401 failed to advance this session, several other anti-gun bills did pass the legislature and have been signed into law by Governor Green:

House Bill 125 expands upon Hawaii’s existing firearm storage mandate by requiring firearms to be stored in a locked box, safe or with a trigger locking mechanism, with limited exceptions. Any violation would be a misdemeanor offense, and HB 125 also holds the firearm owner strictly liable for third-parties misuse of a firearm that was not stored in compliance with the provisions of the legislation. HB 125 was signed into law on 4/23 and took effect upon its approval.

House Bill 392 further restricts the centuries-old practice of building firearms for personal use ​and self-defense by imposing restrictions that far exceed those in federal law. Existing state law prohibits the purchase or acquisition of firearm parts with the purpose of assembling a firearm, however HB 392 now prohibits private individuals from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. HB 392 was signed into law on 4/11 and took effect upon its approval.

Thank you again to all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters for your continued engagement throughout the 2025 legislative session. Your NRA will return to Honolulu in 2026 to continue defending the rights of gun owners across the Aloha State.