What Are the Assault Weapon Laws in Hawaii?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Hawaii has comprehensive assault weapon laws that prohibit ownership of most semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and certain features. The state maintains a prohibited weapons list that includes many common AR and AK platform rifles.
What This Means for You
Hawaii's assault weapon restrictions are among the most restrictive in the nation, affecting both complete firearms and component parts. The state defines prohibited assault pistols and rifles based on specific model names and feature combinations. You'll need to verify current compliance requirements since the laws affect both ownership and transfer of these weapons.
The Detail
Hawaii prohibits assault pistols and assault rifles under state law, with definitions that encompass both specific named models and feature-based criteria. The state maintains detailed lists of prohibited weapons that include many popular semi-automatic rifle platforms. Semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines that accept certain combinations of features like pistol grips, folding stocks, or flash suppressors typically fall under the prohibition.
The law covers both complete firearms and certain component parts, meaning you can't simply build around the restrictions by assembling from parts. Hawaii requires registration for firearms that were legally owned before the restrictions took effect, but new acquisition of prohibited weapons is generally not permitted for civilians.
Enforcement includes restrictions on magazines, with the state limiting magazine capacity. The specific capacity limits and exemptions require verification with current Hawaii statutes, as these details can change through legislative updates. Some law enforcement and military exemptions exist, but civilian ownership options are severely limited.
Hawaii also requires permits for firearm acquisition and has waiting periods that compound the regulatory environment. The state treats assault weapon violations seriously, with significant criminal penalties for non-compliance. Interstate transport and temporary possession rules add additional complexity for travelers or temporary residents.
Build Impact
If you're planning any semi-automatic rifle build in Hawaii, you need to verify compliance before acquiring any components since even parts can be restricted. The safest approach is consulting with local FFLs familiar with Hawaii's current prohibited weapons list before starting any project.