Felon Gun Rights in Hawaii
No. If you have been convicted of a felony in Hawaii or elsewhere, you cannot legally own, possess, or control any firearm or ammunition under HRS 134-7. The only path to restoration is a gubernatorial pardon (available only for Hawaii state convictions). There is no court petition process and no waiting period after which rights are automatically restored for felons. Hawaii's permit and registration system creates additional barriers even after a pardon.
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Overview
Hawaii has among the most restrictive gun laws in the nation. Under HRS 134-7, any person convicted of a felony, any crime of violence, or an illegal sale of any drug is prohibited from owning, possessing, or controlling any firearm or ammunition. Hawaii requires all firearms to be registered, and all purchasers must obtain a permit — creating multiple layers of screening. The primary path to restoration for felons is a gubernatorial pardon, as Hawaii does not have a court petition process for firearm rights restoration. For non-felony convictions involving violence or drug offenses, the prohibition lifts automatically after 20 years. Expungement may also provide relief, but Hawaii's expungement laws are narrow and a clean slate task force is still developing recommendations as of 2026.
Quick Answer
No. If you have been convicted of a felony in Hawaii or elsewhere, you cannot legally own, possess, or control any firearm or ammunition under HRS 134-7. The only path to restoration is a gubernatorial pardon (available only for Hawaii state convictions). There is no court petition process and no waiting period after which rights are automatically restored for felons. Hawaii's permit and registration system creates additional barriers even after a pardon.
Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)
Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), all persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year are prohibited from possessing firearms. A Hawaii gubernatorial pardon that restores civil rights is generally recognized as lifting the federal firearms disability under 18 USC 921(a)(20), provided the pardon does not expressly exclude firearms. Because Hawaii does not have an alternative state restoration mechanism (such as a court petition for felons), a pardon is the only way to address both the state and federal bans for Hawaii state convictions. For federal or out-of-state convictions, the Hawaii Governor cannot grant a pardon — those individuals must seek relief from the convicting jurisdiction or through the revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process.
Can restore gun rights
- ✓Persons who receive a full gubernatorial pardon from the Hawaii Governor (Hawaii state convictions only)
- ✓Persons whose felony conviction is expunged or set aside by court order
- ✓Persons whose conviction is overturned on appeal or through post-conviction proceedings
- ✓Persons convicted of a non-felony crime of violence or illegal drug sale — the prohibition lifts automatically after 20 years from the date of conviction
- ✓Persons eligible for the revived federal 18 USC 925(c) petition process for relief from federal firearms disabilities
Cannot restore gun rights
- ✗Persons with a felony conviction who have not received a gubernatorial pardon — regardless of time elapsed
- ✗Persons convicted of a felony in another state or under federal law — the Hawaii Governor cannot pardon these convictions
- ✗Persons who are fugitives from justice
- ✗Persons who are under indictment for, have waived indictment for, or have been bound over to circuit court for a felony, crime of violence, or illegal drug sale
- ✗Persons diagnosed with a significant behavioral, emotional, or mental disorder as defined by the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- ✗Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses — prohibited under both state and federal law
- ✗Persons subject to a restraining order involving an intimate partner
Step-by-Step Process
Determine your eligibility for a pardon
Only persons convicted of Hawaii state offenses are eligible for a gubernatorial pardon. If your conviction is federal or from another state, you must seek relief from the convicting jurisdiction. There is no fixed waiting period after sentence completion, but the Governor typically considers candidates who have demonstrated significant rehabilitation over an extended period.
Contact the Governor's office for a pardon application
Contact the Office of the Governor of Hawaii to request a pardon application. As a matter of policy, the Governor consults with the Hawaii Paroling Authority (HPA) and the Attorney General before making pardon decisions. Prepare detailed documentation of your rehabilitation, community contributions, and reasons for seeking a pardon.
Submit the pardon application with supporting materials
Complete the pardon application and submit it along with certified copies of your criminal judgment and sentencing documents, evidence of rehabilitation (employment history, education, community service), character reference letters, and a personal statement explaining why you are seeking a pardon and how it would benefit you and the community.
Hawaii Paroling Authority and Attorney General review
The Governor refers your application to the Hawaii Paroling Authority (HPA) and the Attorney General for investigation and recommendation. The HPA reviews your criminal history, institutional conduct, and rehabilitation efforts. The Attorney General's office may also conduct an independent review. This process can take several months.
Governor's decision
The Governor has sole authority to grant or deny the pardon and is not bound by the HPA or Attorney General recommendations. If the pardon is granted, the criminal history record will show both the conviction and the pardon. A full pardon relieves legal disabilities and prohibitions, including the firearms ban under HRS 134-7.
Apply for firearms permit and registration (if pardon is granted)
Even after a pardon, you must comply with Hawaii's permit and registration requirements. Apply for a permit to acquire a firearm through your local police department (HPD for Honolulu, or county police for other counties). Complete the application, pass a background check, and provide proof that the firearms disability has been removed. All firearms must be registered within 5 days of acquisition or bringing them into the state.
Waiting Period
For felony convictions, there is no waiting period after which firearm rights are automatically restored — a gubernatorial pardon is required regardless of time elapsed. For non-felony convictions (misdemeanor crimes of violence or illegal drug sales), the firearm prohibition is automatically lifted 20 years after the date of conviction. The pardon process itself has no fixed timeline, but the review by the Paroling Authority and Attorney General can take several months to over a year.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HRS 134-7 — Ownership, Possession, or Control Prohibited, When | 1988 (amended multiple times, most recently 2023) | Prohibits ownership, possession, or control of any firearm or ammunition by persons convicted of a felony, crime of violence, or illegal drug sale (in Hawaii or elsewhere). Also prohibits persons under indictment, fugitives, persons with certain mental health diagnoses, minors, and others. Felon violations are a Class B felony (up to 10 years imprisonment). Non-felony prohibitions lift after 20 years. |
| HRS 134-2 — Permits to Acquire Firearms | 1988 (amended multiple times) | Requires all persons to obtain a permit from the chief of police before acquiring any firearm. The permit process includes a background check, fingerprinting, and a 14-day waiting period. This creates an additional layer of screening that applies even to persons whose firearms disability has been removed by pardon. |
| HRS 134-3 — Registration of Firearms | 1988 (amended multiple times) | Requires all firearms to be registered with the chief of police within 5 days of acquisition or bringing them into the state. Failure to register is a criminal offense. This universal registration system means that all firearm owners in Hawaii are tracked regardless of their criminal history status. |
| Hawaii Constitution, Article V, Section 5 — Governor's Pardon Power | 1959 | Grants the Governor the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons after conviction for all offenses. This is the constitutional basis for the only mechanism to restore gun rights for felons in Hawaii. |
| SB 2706 (Act 108, 2024) — Clean Slate Expungement Task Force | 2024 | Established a task force to develop recommendations for a state-initiated record clearing system. The Task Force reports to the legislature before the 2025 and 2026 sessions, with a final report before the 2027 session. May lead to expanded expungement pathways that could affect firearms rights in the future. |
Edge Cases
I was convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence — when can I possess firearms again?
Under HRS 134-7, persons convicted of a non-felony crime of violence or illegal drug sale are prohibited from possessing firearms, but this prohibition is automatically lifted 20 years after the date of conviction. No petition or application is needed after the 20-year period expires. However, federal law under 18 USC 922(g)(9) separately prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from possessing firearms, and that federal prohibition does not expire.
My felony conviction was from another state — can I get a pardon in Hawaii?
No. The Hawaii Governor can only pardon Hawaii state convictions. If your felony was from another state or federal court, you must seek a pardon or restoration from the convicting jurisdiction. Even if you obtain out-of-state restoration, you would still need to satisfy Hawaii's permit and registration requirements, and the local police department would conduct its own background check.
Does Hawaii recognize firearm rights restoration from other states?
This is complicated. HRS 134-7 prohibits persons convicted of a felony 'in this State or elsewhere.' If another state has restored your civil rights including firearms, Hawaii may recognize that restoration for purposes of its own prohibition. However, the local police department conducting the permit background check has significant discretion, and Hawaii's restrictive approach means recognition is not guaranteed. Consult a Hawaii attorney.
Even after a pardon, do I need to go through the permit and registration process?
Yes. Hawaii's permit and registration requirements apply to ALL persons who wish to acquire or possess firearms, not just those with criminal records. After a pardon, you must apply for a permit to acquire from your local police department, pass a background check, complete any required safety training, and register all firearms within 5 days of acquisition. The permit process includes a 14-day waiting period.
Can I possess antique or black powder firearms in Hawaii with a felony conviction?
HRS 134-7 prohibits felons from possessing any 'firearm or ammunition.' Hawaii's definition of 'firearm' includes any weapon that expels a projectile by the action of an explosive. Antique firearms may be treated differently depending on specific circumstances, but Hawaii's restrictive approach and universal registration requirement make exceptions narrow. Federal law also has its own definitions. Consult an attorney before possessing any weapon.
What is the Clean Slate Task Force and could it help felons restore gun rights?
The Clean Slate Expungement Task Force was established by SB 2706 (Act 108, 2024) to develop recommendations for a state-initiated record clearing system. The Task Force is reporting to the legislature in 2025-2026 with a final report before 2027. If the Task Force's recommendations lead to automatic expungement of certain felony convictions, that could remove the firearms disability. However, as of March 2026, no such legislation has been enacted, and the Task Force's impact on gun rights remains speculative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon get gun rights back in Hawaii?
- Only through a gubernatorial pardon for Hawaii state convictions. Hawaii has no court petition process, no administrative restoration mechanism, and no waiting period after which felons' gun rights are automatically restored. The pardon process requires review by the Hawaii Paroling Authority and Attorney General, and the Governor has sole discretion. Even after a pardon, you must still go through Hawaii's permit and registration process.
- How restrictive are Hawaii's gun laws compared to other states?
- Hawaii has among the most restrictive gun laws in the nation. In addition to the felony prohibition, Hawaii requires permits to acquire any firearm, registration of all firearms, and licenses to carry. All purchasers undergo background checks and fingerprinting. There is a 14-day waiting period for permits. These layers of regulation apply on top of the felony prohibition, making Hawaii one of the most difficult states for any person to legally possess firearms.
- How do I apply for a gubernatorial pardon in Hawaii?
- Contact the Office of the Governor of Hawaii to request a pardon application. Prepare documentation of your rehabilitation, community contributions, and reasons for the request. The Governor consults with the Hawaii Paroling Authority and Attorney General. There is no fixed timeline for the process, and pardons are granted at the Governor's sole discretion.
- How often are pardons granted in Hawaii?
- Hawaii governors have historically been relatively active in granting pardons compared to some states. Governor Abercrombie granted approximately 83 pardons during his term (2011-2014), and Governor Lingle granted approximately 132 during her 8 years in office. However, not all pardons specifically restore firearms rights, and the process remains competitive.
- What is the penalty for a felon possessing a firearm in Hawaii?
- Under HRS 134-7, a felon who owns, possesses, or controls a firearm or ammunition is guilty of a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. Additionally, federal charges under 18 USC 922(g)(1) may apply, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in federal prison. Hawaii has some of the harshest penalties for felon firearm possession in the country.
- Does a Hawaii pardon lift the federal firearms ban?
- Generally yes. Under 18 USC 921(a)(20), a state pardon that restores civil rights is recognized as lifting the federal firearms disability, provided the pardon does not expressly exclude firearms. A full Hawaii gubernatorial pardon should lift the federal ban for Hawaii state convictions. However, consult an attorney to confirm the specific language and scope of your pardon.
- What about the new federal 18 USC 925(c) process — can that help Hawaii felons?
- The DOJ revived the 18 USC 925(c) petition process in 2025-2026, allowing individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This is a federal remedy independent of Hawaii state law. If approved, it would lift the federal ban under 18 USC 922(g)(1). However, it would not override the state prohibition under HRS 134-7 — you would still need a Hawaii pardon for state-law purposes. Additionally, you would still need to satisfy Hawaii's permit and registration requirements.
- Can I have firearms shipped to me in Hawaii if my rights are restored?
- Even with rights restored, you cannot have firearms shipped directly to you in Hawaii. All firearms entering the state must be declared and registered within 5 days. You must first obtain a permit to acquire from your local police department. Firearms must be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL) who will process the transfer and ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Hawaii Governor's Office
Contact the Governor's office for pardon application information and clemency procedures.
- Hawaii Paroling Authority
The Hawaii Paroling Authority advises the Governor on pardon applications and conducts investigations into candidates' rehabilitation.
- Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center — Expungements
Information about Hawaii's expungement process for eligible criminal records, administered by the Criminal Justice Data Center under the Attorney General.
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Hawaii Profile
Comprehensive guide to Hawaii restoration of rights, pardon, expungement, and sealing — including gun rights restoration.
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Free legal assistance for eligible Hawaii residents, including help with pardons, expungement, and understanding rights restoration options.
- ATF — Federal Firearms Disabilities and 18 USC 925(c) Relief
Federal information on firearms disabilities under 18 USC 922(g) and the revived 925(c) petition process for relief from federal firearms prohibitions.
Video Guides
Sources
- Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-7 — Ownership, Possession, or Control Prohibited
- Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 134 — Firearms, Ammunition and Dangerous Weapons
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Hawaii Profile
- ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances — Hawaii
- Hawaii Rifle Association — Hawaii Gun Laws
- Hawaii Constitution, Article V, Section 5
- 18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Firearms Prohibition