Weak consequences for firearm violations such as illegal possession, trafficking, and straw purchases undermine every other gun safety measure on the books. Strengthening penalties for these types of gun-related offenses sends a clear signal: Hawaiʻi takes gun laws seriously, and those who circumvent them will be held accountable.
Related Bills:
HB2414 HD1 – Implements recommendations from the 2025 Advisory Committee on Penal Code Review to amend the Hawaiʻi Penal Code.
SB2575 – Establishes mandatory minimum prison terms for certain class A felonies involving firearms. Increases penalties for: owning, possessing, or controlling firearms while being prosecuted for or having been convicted of a felony, crime of violence, or illegal drug sale (from class B to class A felony); firearms ownership or possession by a person subject to a restraining order (from misdemeanor to class A felony); carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance (from misdemeanor to class A felony). Establishes possession of methamphetamine while carrying a firearm as a class A felony.
SB2721 – Implements recommendations from the 2025 Advisory Committee on Penal Code Review to amend the Hawaiʻi Penal Code.
See the latest updates on these bills in our "Daily State Bill Updates" spreadsheet.
