The State of Hawaii is the only state in the union which maintains an effective ban on acquiring and owning firearms and ammunition by those between the ages of 18 – 20. Under Hawaii law, adults under 21 years old cannot apply for – or be granted – a Permit to Acquire (PTA). As a result, adults under the age of 21 years old are prohibited from purchasing, owning or possessing firearms and ammunition in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s prohibition directly conflicts with this nation’s history and tradition and the very text of the Second Amendment itself. Since Bruen, federal courts have routinely overturned firearms restrictions on adults under 21 years old. Rather than reconsider its ban on adults under the age of 21 owning firearms, Hawaii has broadened its ban to include ammunition.
On November 20, 2024, the Second Amendment Foundation, joined by two individuals and two businesses, filed suit against Hawaii’s Attorney General, Anne E. Lopez. The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the challenged statutes violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments and requests preliminary and permanent injunctive relief along with nominal damages.
Case Team: Alan Beck, Kevin O'Grady
Recent Docket Activity
May 18th, 2026
EO: The Court GRANTS Defendant's unopposed 92 Motion to Continue Hearing on Counter-Motions for Summary Judgment as follows: Hearing on Plaintiffs' 65 First Motion for Summary Judgment and Defendant's 71 Counter Motion for Summary Judgment CONTINUED from 6/5/2026 to 7/31/2026 at 9:00 AM in Aha Kanawai before JUDGE JILL A. OTAKE. The Court DIRECTS the parties to file a joint status report by 5/21/2026 about whether they anticipate needing a non-jury trial in this matter in light of the Counter-Motions for Summary Judgment.
May 15th, 2026
MOTION to Continue Hearing on Counter-Motions for Summary Judgment [ECF Nos. 65 & 71 ] Thomas J. Hughes appearing for Defendant Anne E. Lopez
April 8th, 2026
STIPULATION To Extend The Non-Dispositive Motions Deadlines - Signed by MAGISTRATE JUDGE WES REBER PORTER on 4/8/2026.
February 24th, 2026
EO: At the request of Defendant and absent any objection, the Court VACATES the Settlement Conference set for 3/24/2026 at 1:00 p.m. before MAGISTRATE JUDGE WES REBER PORTER.
January 20th, 2026
EO: The Court CONTINUES the hearing on Plaintiffs' 65 Motion for Summary Judgment and Defendant's 71 Counter Motion for Summary Judgment from 2/13/2026 to 6/5/2026 at 9:00 AM in Aha Kanawai before JUDGE JILL A. OTAKE. The Court anticipates directing the parties to file supplemental briefs about any Supreme Court opinions from the current term that address the Second Amendment. The parties shall not file any supplemental briefs until the Court so directs.
January 16th, 2026
REPLY re 71 Memorandum in Opposition to Motion REPLY IN SUPPORT OF COUNTER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT filed by Anne E. Lopez.
