Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Hawaii Gun‑Carry Ban on Public‑Facing Private Property
The Supreme Court heard a challenge to Hawaii’s law that bars carrying firearms on public‑facing private property, with live coverage provided by PBS. Separately during the term’s arguments, Justice Kavanaugh warned in a Trump‑related case that a ruling could “shatter” the Federal Reserve’s independence.
📌 Key Facts
- The Supreme Court will hear the Hawaii case Tuesday at 10 a.m. EST, focused on whether the state can default private property open to the public to 'no guns' unless owners affirmatively allow them.
- Hawaii rewrote its carry laws after the Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling, expanding permits but banning guns in many 'sensitive places' including beaches, parks, bars, and restaurants that serve alcohol.
- A district judge blocked much of the law, but a three‑judge appeals panel in 2024 reversed most of that ruling and upheld Hawaii’s power to bar guns on public‑facing private property absent owner consent.
- Plaintiffs say the default rule 'eviscerates' the right to carry because most businesses will not put up 'guns allowed' signs, especially in a tourism‑dependent state.
- Gun‑control advocates argue the restriction is consistent with long‑standing norms of not entering others’ property armed without clear permission and point to Hawaii’s low gun‑violence rates.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
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January 21, 2026
January 19, 2026