BY-LAWS
# Bylaws of Hawaii Firearms Coalition
The bylaws of Hawaii Firearms Coalition establish the organization’s governing framework, including our mission, membership structure, leadership roles, and operating procedures.
These bylaws ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with Hawaiʻi law and Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. They reflect our commitment to protecting and defending the Second Amendment through lawful advocacy, education, and civic engagement.
## Bylaws at a Glance
• Organized as a Hawaiʻi nonprofit social welfare organization (501(c)(4))
• Focused on protecting and defending the Second Amendment
• Member-driven with voting rights for Annual and Life Members
• Governed by a Board of Directors with five-year terms
• Authorized to engage in lawful legislative and legal advocacy
• Includes indemnification and insurance protections
## Official Bylaws Document
The document below is the official, adopted version of the Hawaii Firearms Coalition bylaws.
### ARTICLE I – NAME & PURPOSE
**Section 1. Name**
The name of the corporation is HAWAII FIREARMS COALITION, INC. (the “Corporation”). The Corporation may also conduct business under the name Hawaii Firearms Coalition.
**Section 2. Purpose**
The Corporation is organized as a nonprofit social welfare organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi.
Our mission is to protect and defend the Second Amendment by advancing the social welfare of the community through public education on lawful firearm ownership, safety, and responsible use; providing training that promotes accident prevention, de-escalation, and emergency preparedness; educating the public on constitutional rights and civic engagement; and engaging in lawful legislative and legal advocacy, including strategic legal action when appropriate, to preserve and strengthen the right to keep and bear arms.
**Section 3. Limitations**
The Corporation shall operate exclusively for social welfare purposes. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual. The Corporation may engage in advocacy and lobbying activities to the extent permitted under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Corporation does not endorse individual political candidates or political parties.
### ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
**Section 1. Membership Classes**
The Corporation shall have the following classes of membership:
• Annual Members: Members in good standing who pay annual dues as set by the Board of Directors.
• Life Members: Members who pay a one-time membership fee equal to ten (10) times the current annual membership fee.
• Honorary Members: Individuals recognized by the Board for service or support. Honorary Members are members in name only and do not have voting rights and are not required to pay dues.
**Section 2. Voting Rights**
Annual Members and Life Members in good standing shall have the right to vote on all matters brought before the membership by the Board of Directors.
**Section 3. Membership Fees**
Membership fees, dues amounts, and payment schedules shall be established by the Board of Directors.
**Section 4. Eligibility**
Any person lawfully present in the United States may be a member.
**Section 5. Suspension or Removal**
Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Board for conduct inconsistent with the mission, bylaws, or policies of the Corporation, following reasonable notice.
### ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
**Section 1. Authority**
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors (“Board”).
**Section 2. Number**
The Board shall consist of a minimum of three (3) Directors. Additional Directors may be invited and appointed by vote of the current Board.
**Section 3. Qualifications**
All Directors must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
**Section 4. Term of Office**
Directors shall serve five (5) year terms. A Director may resign at any time; however, a resigning Director shall remain in office until a suitable replacement is appointed, unless the Board determines otherwise.
**Section 5. Removal**
A Director may only be removed for cause by a majority vote of the remaining Directors.
**Section 6. Vacancies**
Vacancies shall be filled by vote of the remaining Directors.
### ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
**Section 1. Officers**
The officers of the Corporation shall include, at a minimum: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. One individual may hold more than one office.
**Section 2. Duties**
President: Chief executive officer; oversees operations and represents the Corporation.
Vice President: Assists the President and acts in their absence.
Secretary: Maintains corporate records and meeting minutes.
Treasurer: Oversees financial affairs and reporting.
**Section 3. Term**
Officers shall be elected by the Board and serve at the pleasure of the Board.
### ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
**Section 1. Board Meetings**
The Board shall meet at least quarterly.
**Section 2. Membership Meetings**
Membership meetings may be called by the Board as needed, but must occur at minimum once per calendar year.
**Section 3. Special Meetings**
Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of Directors.
**Section 4. Quorum**
A majority of Directors constitutes a quorum for Board meetings. A quorum for membership meetings shall be determined by Board policy.
**Section 5. Voting**
Each Director shall have one vote. Actions require a majority vote unless otherwise required by law or these bylaws. Meetings may be held in person or electronically.
### ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
**Section 1. Committees**
The Board may establish committees as necessary to further the mission of the Corporation.
**Section 2. Authority**
Committees serve in an advisory or delegated capacity as authorized by the Board.
### ARTICLE VII – FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
**Section 1. Fiscal Year**
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall follow the calendar year.
**Section 2. Contracts**
The Board may authorize officers or agents to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation.
**Section 3. Compensation**
Directors and officers shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
**Section 4. Records**
The Corporation shall maintain accurate financial records and meeting minutes in accordance with Hawaiʻi law.
### ARTICLE VIII – LEGAL ACTION & ADVOCACY
The Corporation may engage in lawful legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy consistent with its mission, including initiating legal action directly and supporting, funding, or participating in legal actions brought by others.
### ARTICLE IX – INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permitted by Hawaiʻi law, the Corporation shall indemnify any Director, Officer, committee member, employee, or approved volunteer who acted in good faith on behalf of the Corporation against liabilities.
### ARTICLE X – INSURANCE
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, Officer, employee, committee member, or volunteer against any liability asserted against or incurred in that capacity.
### ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any duly called meeting.
### ARTICLE XII – DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution, the assets of the Corporation shall be distributed for one or more social welfare or public purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
### ARTICLE XIII – ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
These Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors of Hawaii Firearms Coalition at a duly called meeting held on February 8, 2026, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout.
Upon adoption, these Bylaws supersede and replace any prior bylaws, rules, or governing documents of the Corporation and shall take effect immediately.
ADOPTED this Eighth day of February, 2026.