Hawaii gun law faces Supreme Court scrutiny over private property ban

AP News • January 19, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Hawaii's strict gun laws, focusing on the state's ban on firearms on private property open to the public unless the owner explicitly allows it.
Three Maui residents challenged laws prohibiting guns in places like beaches, bars, and restaurants, arguing these restrictions violate Second Amendment rights and limit self-defense options.
The Court will consider only whether the default rule requiring owner permission or signage to carry guns on private property is constitutional, following earlier rulings that upheld most other restrictions.
Supporters of the restrictions emphasize respect for private property rights and cultural norms, while challengers argue the rules effectively nullify the right to carry firearms for self-defense.
Hawaii's historical and cultural context,