We are happy to offer various ways to apply for a firearm permit to acquire or to register a firearm.
All personal firearms brought into the State of Hawaii (not acquired through a Hawaii Firearms Permit) must be physically inspected by KPD Firearms Section Personnel at the time of registration. Registration must be initiated within 5 days.
All firearms transferred between private individuals (not acquired through a Hawaii Federal Firearms Licensed dealer)must be physically inspected by KPD Firearms Section Personnel at time of registration. Registration must be initiated within 5 days.
You must be 21 years or older to own a firearm. All firearm permit to acquire applications require proof of firearm training. Receiving a certification from a verified Hawaii firearms instructor meets the firearms training requirements for both handgun and long gun permits to acquire. This certificate is only good for 4 years from the date of completion. The Hawaii Hunters Education certification, completed within 4 years from the application submission date, meets the requirement for a long gun permit to acquire (per HRS 134).
If you are born outside of the United States or one of its territories, you must have proof of US Citizenship or a valid Alien Resident card.
Due to Marijuana being considered a Schedule I Prohibited Substance by the Federal Government, Medical Marijuana card holders are prohibited from owning and possessing firearms. Reference: Federal Prohibition 18 U.S. Code § 922 (g)(3). If you have had a permit in the past, it must be invalid for one year or your application will be denied.
Refer to below for a list of other firearm ownership and/or possession disqualifiers and/or reasons of ineligibility.
Ineligibility
Persons are not eligible to own or possess a firearm or ammunition if:
Refer to HRS 134-7, Ownership or possession prohibited or to 18 U.S. Code § 922 (g)(4) for more information (click here for full statutes)
Questions regarding firearms, please call our firearm section at 808-241-1663 or email kpdfirearms@kauai.gov.
Our office is at the main police station, which is located at:
3990 Ka’ana Street
Suite 200
Lihue, Hawaii 96766.
In addition to being closed on holidays, the hours of operation for the firearms window are as followed...
Monday thru Thursday: Open 7am – 3:30pm
Friday: Closed
** Hours of operation during weeks with observed County Holiday are... (with the exception of the actual observed Holiday DAY)
8am-12pm and 1:00pm-3:30pm
Verification #K-0001 Jason Bryant, JGB Arms | Contact: 808-246-1728 or sales@jgbarms.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-002 Jeffery Bryant, JGB Arms | Contact: 808-246-1728 or sales@jgbarms.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-003 Andrew Canavan, JGB Arms | Contact: 808-246-1728 or sales@jgbarms.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-004 Andy Ruiz, Hawaii Airsoft Guns Unlimited | Contact: 808-306-8926 | *Permit to Acquire Only
Verification #K-005 Carl Oliver, Enterprizes | Contact: 808-645-1086 | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-011 James Barry Brun |*License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-012 Steven Cummings, Pacific Courier, Inc. | Contact: 808-839-7000 or s.cummings@pacificcourier.net | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-013 Raymond Craig, Pacific Paladin Protective Concepts, LLC | Contact: 808-892-1007 or pppconceptshi@gmail.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-014, Benjamin Ellsworth, Kaua`i Eco Sporting Clays, Inc. | Contact kauaiclays@gmail.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-015, Jade Brooks, Kaua`i Eco Sporting Clays, Inc. | Contact jade@petalpistol.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
Verification #K-016, Paul Cudal, Security Armored Car | Contact 808-847-4278 or p.cudal@securityarmored.com | *License to Carry Instructor & Permit to Acquire Instructor
FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR VERIFICATION
Online Paperless Form
Firearms Instructor Verification Application <----- Click Here
First time firearm permits to acquire applicants will need to present themselves in person to the Kauai Police Department’s main police station located in Lihue to be fingerprinted and photographed. The fingerprint fee is $43.25 and processing fee of $43.25. Only a Cashier’s Check or a Money Order Accepted. Make two separate payable to Hawai’i Criminal Justice Data Center and Director of Finance. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Applications may be submitted via online or In-Person.
Reference: HRS 134-2. Permit to Acquire.
Online Application Submissions
Complete both the application and Valid Photo Identification via the links below or email the completed forms to kpdfirearms@kauai.gov.
You will need to attach the following when submitting your application online:
Receiving a certification from a verified Hawaii firearms instructor meets the firearms training requirements for both hand gun and long gun permit to acquire. This certificate is only good for 4 years. Hawaii Hunters Education certification within the last four years of submitting an application meets the requirement for long gun permit to acquire.
Original documentation of proof of U.S. Citizenship if born outside the United States. (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Born Abroad Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Card).
Please note, there is a 14-40 days waiting period on all permits before they can be issued.
If applying for a handgun, please provide the name and contact information for the individual or Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer (FFL) you will be acquiring the handgun from. Also provide the Serial Number, Make, Model, Caliber, Action Type, and Barrel Length of the handgun.
Reference: HRS 134-2. Permit to Acquire.
In-Person Application Submissions
Normal Office hours for In-Person application submissions are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Application forms may be printed from the below link, or you may choose to pick up and complete the required application forms at the main police station in Lihue during normal business hours.
You will need to bring the following with you when you apply in person:
Valid Photo Identification
Receiving a certification from a verified Hawaii firearms instructor meets the firearms training requirements for both hand gun and long gun permit to acquire. This certificate is only good for 4 years. Hawaii Hunters Education certification within the last four years of submitting an application meets the requirement for long gun permit to acquire.
Original documentation of proof of U.S. Citizenship if born outside the United States. (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Born Abroad Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Card).
If applying for a handgun, please provide the name and contact information for the individual or Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer (FFL) you will be acquiring the handgun from. Also provide the Serial Number, Make, Model, Caliber, Action Type, and Barrel Length of the handgun.
Please note, there is a 14-40 day waiting period on all permits before they can be issued. Once the application has been approved and is ready to be issued the applicant may pick up the permit from the main police station in Lihue or have the permit emailed to them.
On September 7, 2022, the Kaua’i Police Department announced that it has revised the permitting process for license to carry concealed and unconcealed firearms as a result of the July 23, 2022, Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc., et al. v. Bruen, Superintendent of New York State Police, et al. The following describes the requirements of the Application For License To Carry Firearm Packet:
Kauaʻi Police Department Forms to be completed:
Required from Applicant:
- Copy of current Firearm Registration for firearm to be carried;
- Copy of signed Firearms Proficiency Test including scores (test must be dated within 90 days of application):
- Firearms Proficiency Test must be taken with the firearm to be carried
- Firearms Proficiency Test must be administered by a State of Hawaii Verified Firearms Instructor of the Applicant's choosing (include instructor certification);
- Signed Shooting Proficiency Test results must include shooting scores – pass/fail only is not sufficient;
- $150.00 US Currency fee will be collected upon issuance of your license for the first 4 years; Any renewal after the 4 years will incur a fee of $50.00 annually.
- Only a Cashier’s Check or a Money Order Accepted. Make payable to Director of Finance. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED
- For Applications needed for employment purposes, please complete the notarized Private Security Employer Certification Application.
The following Handgun Qualification/ Proficiency Course Of Fire is the minimum shooting qualification proficiency requirements that the Kaua’i Police Department will accept Minimum Qualification(PDF, 70KB) (click on link).
You must be 21 years or older to register a firearm. Firearms shall be registered in accordance with Section 134-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Please contact 808-241-1663 or email kpdfirearms@kauai.gov for more information.
Married couples who wish to have their firearms jointly registered in both names will need to bring their Original Marriage Certificate.
The Notice of Transfer forms for private transfers (Non- FFL Dealer Transfers) are available below on this website and may be filled in prior to coming to the Firearms Section In-Person.
Reference: HRS 134-3. Registration, Mandatory, exceptions.
Anyone wishing to transfer their firearm to another person in the State of Hawaii must have a copy of their State of Hawaii Firearm Registration for any and all weapons to be transferred.
Firearm Registration
All firearms acquired from a private individual or firearms brought into the State of Hawaii need to be inspected by KPD Firearms Section Personnel at time of registration. Firearms acquired from a Hawaii FFL dealer does not require physical inspection.
Submissions for notice of transfer of a firearm. Newly acquired firearms need to be registered within 5 days of acquisition. Individuals who transfer a firearm to another needs to deliver the Notice of Transfer within 2 days to the Firearms Section.
Online submission of firearm transfers requires the following attachments:
Valid Photo Identification (transferor and transferee)
State of Hawaii Firearm Registration (transferor)
Firearms acquired via FFL dealers may be submitted online to KPDfirearms@kauai.gov
Once the Online Notice of Transfer has been received, you will be sent an email confirmation from KPDfirarms@kauai.gov.
In-Person Firearm Registration
You will need the following when you register your firearm:
Valid Firearm Permit to Acquire
Valid Photo Identification
Completed Firearms Transfer form
Any and all required forms can be obtained from the Firearms Section.
All personal firearms brought into the State of Hawaii (not acquired through a Hawaii Firearms Permit) must be physically inspected by KPD Firearms Section Personnel at time of registration.
All firearms brought or Imported into the State of Hawaii must be registered in accordance with section 134-3 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. First time firearm applicants will need to present themselves in person to the Kauai Police Department’s main police station located in Lihue at 3990 Ka’ana Street, Lihue, Hawaii 96766 to be fingerprinted and photographed. The fingerprint fee is $43.25 and processing fee of $43.25. Only a Cashier’s Check or a Money Order Accepted. Make two separate payable to Hawai’i Criminal Justice Data Center and Director of Finance. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Applications can be submitted In-Person. Any and/or all required forms can be obtained from the Firearms Section.
Original documentation of proof of U.S. Citizenship if born outside the United States. (U.S. Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Born Abroad Birth Certificate, Alien Resident Card).
What is an E-GUN?
An electric gun, or E-GUN, is any portable device that is designed to discharge electric energy, charge, voltage or current into the body through direct contact or utilizing a projectile. E-GUN includes but is not limited to stun guns and electric projectile guns such as a Taser and does not include an automatic defibrillator used in emergency medical situations. An E-GUN cartridge is a device or object designed for use with an electric gun to project a missile, such as a Taser cartridge.
Are E-GUNs legal in the County of Kaua’i?
Yes, with some requirements and restrictions. The 2021 Hawaiʻi State Legislature passed, and Governor David Y. Ige signed into law ACT 183 (21) (this link, GM1311_.pdf (hawaii.gov)(PDF, 776KB) should bring up the HB 891 statute) that repealed the ban on electric guns and replaced it with a law regulating the use, storage, transfer, and disposal of electric guns effective Jan. 1, 2022. E-GUNS can only be used for self-defense, defense of another person, or protection of property.
Do I need a permit to purchase/own an E-GUN on Kaua’i?
No, but there are restrictions:
- If you are acquiring an E-GUN on the island of Kaua’i, you must purchase/have transferred the E-GUN through a business or individual licensed by the Kaua’i Police Department’s Firearms Section.
- You must purchase/register an E-GUN through a business or individual licensed by the Kaua’i Police Department’s Firearms Section. (Please replace with, If you are acquiring an E-GUN on the island of Kaua’i, you must purchase/have transferred the E-GUN through a business or individual licensed by the Kaua’i Police Department’s Firearms Section.
- You must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal history background check, and complete an informational briefing on the dangers, limitations, safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of E-GUNs.
- Ownership or possession is prohibited for certain persons (ACT 183 HRS 134-F) (this link, GM1311_.pdf (hawaii.gov) should bring up the HB 891 statute)
Do I need a business license to sell E-GUNS on Kaua’i?
Yes. It is against the law to sell, offer for sale, distribute, or otherwise transfer an electric gun or cartridge without a license, per ACT 183 HRS 134-C (this link, GM1311_.pdf (hawaii.gov)(PDF, 776KB) should bring up the HB 891 statute)
- You must file an application annually for an E-GUN business license that expires each year on June 30.
- The annual fee is $50 for the approved E-GUN business license.
- Application for renewal of an E-GUN business license is due no later than July 1 of each year.
- Applicant and employees of the business must complete an initial approved E-GUN safety course, and every three years thereafter, to confirm that at least one principal owner or member of the applying entity has completed an E-GUN safety or training course that focuses on:
a. Safe use and handling of electric guns.
b. Current information about the effects, dangers, risks, and limitation of electric guns.
c. Education on the existing state laws on electric guns.
d. Proper disposal of electric guns.
How do I apply for a business license to sell E-GUNS on Kaua’i?
- E-GUN business licenses are issued by the Kaua’i Police Department’s Firearms Section, and E-GUN licensee/dealer application packets are available in person or online(PDF, 464KB) .
- Submit the completed application packet and all required documentation as listed below to the Kaua’i Police Department’s Firearms Section:
a. Completed Electric Gun Business (Licensee/Dealer) Application & Questionnaire including Declaration page. These forms are also available online.
b. Fifty-dollar ($50.00) License/Permit fee with payment written out to the Director of Finance. We can only accept a certified check or money order for this payment.
c. Copy of driver’s license or other appropriate form of photo identification for all principal owners or members of the applying entity. Copies will not be made to you.
d. Copy of training certificate and training curriculum (e.g., Taser Self-Defense Civilian Trainer Course).
"Ghost Guns"
- A new law as referenced in section 134-10.2 of the Hawai’i Revised Statutes, entitled "Manufacturing, purchasing, or obtaining firearm parts to assemble a firearm having no serial number; penalty" went into effect on January 1, 2022. Please be advised that purchasing, producing, or obtaining any "ghost gun" parts, in violation of this section is a class C felony.
"Grandfathered firearms"
- If you acquired a "grandfathered" firearm from a relative, as the current firearm owner, you are still legally required to have it registered under your name. Please contact the Firearms Section at 808-241-1663 should you have any questions.
Applicable Laws