Supreme Court to Review Hawaii Gun Law with National Impact

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a significant case regarding Hawaii’s gun laws, which may have national implications for Second Amendment rights. The case, known as Wolford v. Lopez, challenges a law that makes it illegal to carry a concealed handgun on private property without the owner’s permission. This case has gained additional attention following the filing of a “friend of the court” brief by the Trump administration, a relatively rare occurrence in Supreme Court proceedings.

The origins of this case can be traced back to the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in 2022. This decision expanded the rights of individuals to carry firearms in public, prompting Hawaii to implement stricter regulations. These new restrictions include bans on carrying guns in various locations, such as parks and beaches, as well as on private property open to the public unless explicitly permitted by the owner.

Three residents from Maui, alongside the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, filed a lawsuit stating that the new law undermines the rights established in the Bruen decision. While lower courts supported the state’s stance, the challengers have appealed, arguing that Hawaii’s law is based on flawed historical precedents. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision will clarify the extent to which states can regulate concealed carry in the wake of the Bruen ruling. A ruling is expected by June 2026, and it could reshape gun laws across the United States.

Hawaii’s Gun Laws Compared to Other States

According to the Giffords Law Center, Hawaii ranks sixth in the nation for the strength of its gun laws. California holds the top position, while Wyoming is at the bottom with the least stringent regulations. The relationship between strict gun laws and gun death rates remains complex.

In 2022, California, which has the strongest gun regulations, recorded the seventh lowest gun death rate in the country. Nevertheless, data from Johns Hopkins University indicates that California’s overall gun death rate has risen by 12% over the past decade. Firearms continue to be the leading cause of death for children aged one to seventeen nationwide.

In contrast, Colorado, which ranks tenth in gun safety laws, has a gun death rate that significantly exceeds the national average. This disparity highlights that stronger gun legislation does not always correlate with lower gun fatalities.

The Supreme Court’s examination of Hawaii’s gun law will not only test the boundaries of state authority but also reframe the national dialogue surrounding gun rights and public safety.