LIHUE, Hawaii — The Kauai Police Department has finalized the revised application and permitting process for license to carry concealed and unconcealed firearms in response to the Supreme Court of the United States decision in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, No. 20-843 and Hawaii Attorney General Opinion 22-02, dated July 7, 2022, according to a Kauai County news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Applications to carry concealed or open carry firearms are available in person or online

  • Applicants are required to apply in person

  • With the significant change to firearms carry laws, training is being developed for police officers

  • The public can contact KPD regarding firearms-related matters at 808-241-1929 or email kpdfirearms@kauai.gov

The public can now obtain an application to carry concealed or open carry firearms in person at the KPD Records Firearms Section service window at the KPD station in Lihue or on the KPD webpage via the Firearms Section tab.

Applicants must apply in person and provide the following, in addition to the completed application and Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Protected Health Information:

1. Copy of current Firearm Registration for firearm to be carried

2. Copy of signed Firearms Proficiency Test including scores (must be dated within 90 days of applying)

  • Firearms Proficiency Test must be taken with the firearm to be carried (minimum qualification course of fire and proficiency standards are online at the KPD website)

  • Firearms Proficiency Test must be administered by a state-certified or National Rifle Association Firearms Instructor of the applicant’s choosing (include instructor certification)

  • Signed Shooting Proficiency Test results must include shooting score; pass/fail only is not sufficient

3. Two passport-sized, front-facing color photographs of the applicant taken within the past 30 days

4. Complete the notarized Private Security Employer Certification Application for applications needed for employment purposes

KPD is currently developing training for police officers and guidance for the community in light of the significant change in firearms carry laws in Hawaii.

“We recognize the issuance to carry firearms has generated both interest and anxiety across our community,” said Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck. “We remain committed to ensuring public safety and establishing open lines of communication for the safe and responsible carrying of firearms in public.”

The public can contact KPD regarding firearms-related matters at 808-241-1929 or email kpdfirearms@kauai.gov.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.