Bill > SB433

This bill modifies Hawaii's existing laws regarding deadly or dangerous weapons by expanding the definition of prohibited weapon carrying to include openly carrying, not just concealed carrying. The bill adds "bladed weapons" to the list of prohibited items and establishes two new affirmative defense provisions. First, a person can defend against prosecution for openly carrying a weapon if it is commonly used for lawful self-defense, with exceptions for carrying in sensitive locations or displaying the weapon with intent to cause public alarm. Second, a person can defend against prosecution for carrying a weapon in a vehicle or public transportation if the weapon is secured in a locked hard-sided container for transportation purposes. Violations remain a misdemeanor, and if the weapon is carried while committing another criminal offense, it becomes a class C felony. The bill also maintains existing provisions that weapons carried during the commission of another crime will result in additional penalties, and that weapons seized will be destroyed by law enforcement. The legislation does not affect any rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date and includes standard severability and constitutional construction clauses.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=433&year=2025