Lawsuit Challenges Hawaii’s Unique Gun Ownership Ban for Young Adults
HONOLULU (AP) — A new lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu, challenging Hawaii’s unique ban on gun ownership for individuals aged 18 to 20. Plaintiffs Elijah Pinales, aged 19, and Juda Roache, who will turn 18 soon, argue that this restriction infringes upon their Second Amendment rights to bear arms.
Hawaii is the only state with a comprehensive prohibition on both acquiring and owning firearms and ammunition for young adults in this age group. While federal law permits certain firearm purchases for those 18 and older, Hawaii’s regulations are significantly stricter, raising concerns among Second Amendment advocates.
The lawsuit highlights that even in states with stringent firearm laws, such as New York and Illinois, there are caveats that allow for some ownership among those under 21. The plaintiffs argue that members of this age group are part of the national community, possessing rights such as voting and serving in the military.
The challenge comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, which established that Americans have a fundamental right to carry firearms for self-defense in public. This ruling has prompted a reevaluation of gun regulations nationwide, emphasizing historical precedents for firearm ownership.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are a leading cause of death among young adults aged 18 to 20, with significant increases in firearm suicide rates within this demographic over the past decade.
The lawsuit, filed by multiple plaintiffs including licensed retailers and the Second Amendment Foundation, requests a preliminary injunction against the state’s prohibition, signaling a growing movement to challenge and potentially reshape Hawaii’s stringent gun laws.
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