The Hawai‘i County Police Department is holding two public hearings for the public to share their thoughts on proposed changes to the rules about gun permits and licenses.

HPD plans to cancel its old rules for carrying concealed and unconcealed weapons, which were made in 1997. New rules called Rule 1 and Rule 2 will be created. These new rules will update the process for getting gun permits and licenses and explain what people can do if their permit or license is denied. The proposed changes bring the rules into compliance with a state law that went into effect January 2024.

Public Hearing Dates and Locations include:

Monday, August 11, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Council Chambers
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kailua-Kona

Thursday, August 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale
799 Pi‘ilani Street, Hilo

During the meeting, individuals will be given the opportunity to give comments or share opinions about the proposed changes. Each person will have three minutes to speak.

Those unable to attend can send written comments to:
Hawai‘i Police Department Records Section
349 Kapi‘olani Street
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Written comments will be part of the official record. Comments sent after the hearings may not be considered.