Lawsuits

Major Second Amendment Lawsuits Filed in Federal Court (Hawaiʻi – Last 10 Years)

Below is a selection of significant Second Amendment-related lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi over the last decade. These cases challenge many of the state’s most restrictive firearm and arms regulations.

Arnold v. Hawaiʻi County (2026)

This federal lawsuit challenges unlawful delays and administrative barriers in the Hawaiʻi County firearm permitting process, arguing that extended wait times and inaction violate the Second Amendment.

Pinales v. Lopez (2024)

This lawsuit challenges Hawaiʻi’s prohibition on young adults aged 18–20 from acquiring or possessing firearms, arguing the ban violates the Second Amendment.

Wolford v. Lopez (2023)

This case challenges Hawaiʻi’s post-Bruen carry restrictions, including laws that treat most public-facing private property as “no-carry” unless owners give explicit permission.

National Association for Gun Rights v. Lopez (2022)

This lawsuit challenges Hawaiʻi’s bans on certain firearms classified as “assault pistols,” along with related magazine restrictions.

Abott v. Lopez (2020)

This case challenges Hawaiʻi’s ban on handgun magazines over ten rounds, arguing the restriction violates the right to keep and bear arms.

Nickel v. Connors (2020)

This case challenges Hawaiʻi’s refusal to allow certain U.S. nationals (such as American Samoans) to apply for firearm permits based on citizenship status.

Roberts v. Connors (2019)

This lawsuit challenged Hawaiʻi’s restrictions preventing lawful permanent residents from applying for firearm carry permits.

Livingston v. Logan (2019)

This case involves challenges to Hawaiʻi’s concealed carry licensing framework and the barriers placed on ordinary citizens seeking permits.

Yukutake v. Connors (2019)

This lawsuit challenges Hawaiʻi’s firearm permitting and registration system, including the short expiration period for permits to acquire firearms.

Teter v. Connors (2019)

This case challenges Hawaiʻi’s ban on butterfly knives (balisongs), arguing that knives are protected “arms” under the Second Amendment.

Roberts v. Ballard (2018)

This lawsuit challenged Hawaiʻi’s prohibition on electric arms such as stun guns and tasers, asserting these are protected under the Second Amendment.

Roberts v. City and County of Honolulu (2015)

This federal civil-rights lawsuit challenged the City and County of Honolulu’s denial of a firearm permit based on the plaintiff’s status as a lawful permanent resident rather than a U.S. citizen.