Hawaii cites King Kamehameha III’s 1833 law to show a long-standing local gun-control tradition, while opponents argue that pre‑U.S. monarchical laws are irrelevant to America’s constitutional tradition.
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s gun laws, long among the strictest in the nation, will be the focus of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court is taking up the state’s ban on firearms on private property that is open to the public, such as stores and hotels, unless the owner explicitly allows it.
Here’s what to know about the case:
Banned on beaches, bars and private property
Three Maui residents sued in 2023 to challenge new laws prohibiting the carrying of guns at places such as beaches, banks, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
The plaintiffs argue that Hawaii is infringing on people’s Second Amendment rights. They say they want to protect themselves at isolated beaches, and many property owners do not put up “guns allowed” signs for fear of scaring off customers.
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

