No, stun guns are illegal for civilian possession in Hawaii under state law, classified as “electric guns” prohibited since 1994. Local enforcement aligns with the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General’s 2023 advisory, reinforcing the ban despite occasional federal preemption debates. Violations may result in felony charges under HRS §134-16.
Key Regulations for Stun Guns in Hawaii
- Absolute Ban: HRS §134-16 explicitly prohibits the sale, possession, or use of stun guns by civilians, with no exceptions for self-defense.
- Law Enforcement Exemption: Only authorized personnel (e.g., police, corrections officers) may carry stun guns, per Hawaii Police Department guidelines.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Pending legislative proposals (HB2026) aim to reclassify stun guns as “non-lethal weapons,” but as of 2024, the ban remains in effect.
Local courts, including the Hawaii Supreme Court in State v. Padilla (2018), have upheld the prohibition, citing public safety concerns. Federal preemption arguments (e.g., 18 U.S.C. §926A) have failed in Hawaii due to the state’s strict regulatory framework. Travelers with stun guns face confiscation and potential prosecution.