Hawaii 80 Percent Lower Laws

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. While we endeavor to keep all our blogs updated with the most accurate information, gun laws change quickly and frequently. Legal changes can often be difficult to uncover, unpack, and publish in real-time. Therefore, while we try our best to provide timely information, be aware that what you’re reading below may change (or already has changed).

Do not rely solely on the information provided by us or on this website to ensure compliance with your purchase decisions. To ensure that you, the buyer, are acting in accordance with all federal, state laws and local ordinances, please do your own research and consult an attorney if necessary.

To see where some or none of our products can be shipped to, please see our full list of sensitive states here. 

What is an 80% Lower?

An 80% lower receiver is an unfinished and unserialized blank which requires some machining work from the end user to turn it into a 100% lower receiver, otherwise, what is legally considered as a firearm. 80 lowers are missing the trigger pocket and three holes that need to be milled and drilled out to be completed. Unless states have passed their own laws barring the possession or sales of 80% products; pending the ATF's updated decision from the ATF's new rule aiming to redefine what a firearm is including lower receivers and frames (2021R-05F). As of now, 80% lowers are completely legal, federally not considered firearms and thus can be shipped straight to your front door. No FFL required (some states have made their own laws to restrict 80 percent products). To explore the 80 lowers we have to offer, check out our multiple lines of product.

Are 80 Lowers Legal In Hawaii?

As of this guide’s initial publish date, 80% lower receivers and frames and build kits are not considered as firearms by the ATF however, they are not legal for Hawaiian residents to buy, sell or possess per the state’s House Bill 2744 HD1 SD2.

Key Gun Laws in Hawaii

Other than laws regarding 80 lowers, these are the key gun laws you should be aware of if you reside or are traveling through Hawaii.

Firearm Possession and Purchase Requirements

In the state of Hawaii, no person under the age of 21 may purchase a firearm. Minimum age to purchase and possess firearms is quite strict on the Big Island. It is lawful for minors from the ages 16 years and up to use and handle firearms for hunting or target practice while under the supervision of a parent, adult, or legal guardian. However, they are not allowed to possess them on their own or have parents transfer firearms to them until they are 21 years old. In order to purchase firearms in Hawaii a “Permit to Acquire” is required. One permit is needed per handgun that is to be bought by residents but only one permit is needed to cover rifle or shotgun purchases no matter how many purchases are made within the permit’s valid dates.

All firearm purchases and private party transfers require a background check (Dealer Record of Sale also known as 4473 form or “DROS”). While federal law requires federal firearm license holders (“FFL’s”:) to initiate background checks on buyers prior to the sale of a firearm, federal law also allows states to serve as their own “point of contact” and conduct their own background checks via state, federal records or databases, as well as the option to use the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) database. Hawaii is a point of contact for the NICS and as a result, firearms dealers conduct background checks that are processed by local law enforcement. They also have a 10-day waiting period before gun buyers can pick up their purchase.

Open and Concealed Carrying

Hawaii is a “may issue'' state when it comes to concealed carry and it does not recognize CCW permits from any other states. Open carry and concealed carry are allowed as long as you do have a carry permit however it is only valid in the county the permit is issued in. Hawaii issues concealed carry weapon permits in the form of “LTC’s,” or a License To Carry. Conceal carriers must be at least 21 years of age and pass a state-approved firearms training course that includes live-fire exercises. However, they are rarely ever issued. To see more details of Hawaii’s restrictive policies on concealed carry permits check this reciprocity map here.

NFA Restrictions

There isn’t a specific “assault weapons” ban in Hawaii however, they do have their own version of one which criminalizes the manufacture, possession, sale or other transfer, barter, trade, gift or acquisition of an “assault pistol.” Assault pistols are any semi automatic handguns which have threaded barrels, an overall length of 12 inches or more, a barrel shroud and other factors similar to the AWB in California.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

There is a magazine capacity ban in Hawaii which limits all magazines’ capacity to only 10 rounds.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

There are no mandatory storage requirements for firearms in Hawaii, however, you should still exercise caution and can be tried for negligently leaving your guns accessible to children. If you need some good ideas or best practices for storing your guns and gear here are 5 firearm storage options.

Self-Defense

When in Hawaii, there is a duty to retreat before force for self-defense can be used because there is no stand your ground law in place. There is however, a Castle Doctrine which gives residents the freedom to respond to lethal threats in kind without requiring the duty to retreat in one’s own home or place of business.

Ammunition Purchase

Purchasing ammunition in Hawaii is not very strict. But there is a ban on any firearm that fires a caliber larger than .50 BMG. So by proxy, ammo larger than .50 cal is restricted from civilian use. All Federal restrictions also apply but the state itself does not require a license for the purchase of ammunition or require sellers to maintain sales records.

Do you ship to Hawaii?

We are currently no longer able to ship any items to residents in the state of Hawaii. We thank you for many years of business and your patronage. Unfortunately, Hawaii has grown incredibly hostile against our company and any products or packages shipped to this state would fall under haphazard and intense scrutiny. If you're ever in Texas, give our new showroom a visit once it's ready and open in Fort Worth!