Honolulu’s “No Firearms” Transit Signs Are Misleading — and They Disproportionately Harm Everyday Residents

from HIFICO, October 20, 2025

The City and County of Honolulu has posted “No Firearms Allowed” signs at bus stations, rail stations, on TheBus and Handi-Van vehicles. On their face, these signs suggest that all firearms are banned from public transit.

But that’s not what Hawaiʻi law actually says.

Under HRS §134-9.1, the State of Hawaiʻi makes it unlawful to carry a firearm on public transportation — but it explicitly allows people to transport an unloaded firearm in a locked, hard-sided case. The statute even includes a preemption clause that voids any county law or rule inconsistent with state law.

That means the City’s “No Firearms” signs, as currently written, overstep the law. They mislead the public into believing that lawful transport — which is clearly protected by state law — is forbidden.

I have sent a formal letter to the Department of Transportation Services Director requesting that these signs be removed immediately. Public agencies have a duty to post information that accurately reflects the law, not to discourage lawful activity or create confusion through overbroad warnings.

But there’s a deeper problem here.

This policy disproportionately affects those who depend on public transportation — working-class residents, seniors, students, and families who cannot afford private vehicles. Wealthier individuals can simply drive to the range, transport firearms to lawful activities, or carry them in compliance with the law using private transportation. Those without that privilege are effectively stripped of equal access to lawful firearm ownership and self-defense.

That’s not fairness. That’s not equity. And it’s not consistent with the principles of equal protection under the law.

We support responsible gun ownership and transportation. But government signage and enforcement must also comply with the law.

The City’s signs are not just incorrect — they send a message that lawful citizens should fear exercising their rights. That kind of chilling effect undermines public trust and divides communities along class lines.

We call on the City and County of Honolulu to correct this immediately. Honesty in public communication is not optional — it’s the foundation of good governance.

Know the law. Respect it. And make sure your government does, too.

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