Hawaii expands concealed carry permits, but prohibits firearms in most public places
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) signed legislation on Friday imposing new gun control mandates while also keeping in line with a 2022 Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment.
The legislation, Hawaii SB1230, was passed by the state Senate in April. The bill allows more Hawaiians to apply for concealed carry permits. However, it also "prohibits firearms in certain locations and premises," according to the text of the bill. This includes the banning of firearms in a sweeping array of public venues, including "beaches, hospitals, stadiums, bars that serve alcohol, and movie theaters," The Associated Press reported. Any venue that is allowed to have concealed carry weapons and wishes to do so must also display the required signage.
Green is a physician by training who still practices as an ER doctor, according to the AP. He has often taken a hardline stance against gun violence and advocated for stronger firearms legislation. "On many occasions in my training back on the mainland, I was one of the physicians that took care of individuals who were victims of gun violence. Not only that, I lost a loved one to a suicide with a gun," Green said during a signing ceremony, adding, "Anything that we can do, we should."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The passage of SB1230 comes after the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that a New York law restricting concealed carry violated the Second Amendment, which CNN called "the widest expansion of gun rights in a decade" at the time. A number of other states enacted similar laws to Hawaii following the court's decision, which are currently facing their own legal challenges.
Green also signed into law HB1239, a state House bill that enhances active shooter training for the Hawaii Department of Education, Maui Now reported. "I firmly believe in providing this potentially life-saving education for our public and charter school students," he said.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Baltimore bridge disaster: Who is going to pay and how?
Today's Big Question Politicians, legal experts, and the insurance industry are all grappling with the financial fallout of America's worst infrastructure tragedy in years
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Melting polar ice is messing with global timekeeping
Speed Read Ice loss caused by climate change is slowing the Earth's rotation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Stick guitar
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Israel concedes it may not be able to destroy Hamas
Speed Read Despite five months of war in Gaza, Israeli intelligence officials admit the militant group eludes them
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump gets $289M break, first criminal trial date
Speed Read The former president's fraud bond has been reduced to $175 million from $464 million
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US-Israel rift widens after UN cease-fire resolution
Speed Read The U.S. declined to veto a U.N. resolution calling for a two-week "immediate cease-fire" in Gaza
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
New Jersey first lady exits race to replace Menendez
Speed Read Tammy Murphy dropping out paves the way for Rep. Andy Kim to become the state's next senator
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump-RNC pact puts Trump legal bills ahead of GOP
Speed Read The former president has struck a deal with the Republican National Committee to put donations toward his legal bills
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Vietnam president resigns amid scandal
Speed Read Vietnam loses its second president in two years as Vo Van Thuong steps down
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published