HPD Reminds Firearm Owners to Register within 5 Days

The Hawaiʻi Police Department would like to remind firearms owners that after obtaining the proper permit to purchase a firearm (both pistol and long gun) and after the firearm has been purchased, it is the owner’s responsibility to register it within five days.

Hawai’i County courtesy file photo.

Likewise, a firearm brought into the state must be registered within five days.

Before going to the police station to register a firearm, take these steps at home or at the gun dealer’s establishment:

-Unload your firearm. Transporting a loaded firearm is against the law.
-Prepare your firearm by having it “open” and visually safe (bolt removed, clip removed and slid into the open position, cylinder removed or in open position, etc.).
-Transport your firearm in an enclosed container. It is the law.
-DO NOT enter the building with any ammunition in your possession.

Be advised that if the firearm is not “open” and visually safe for inspection prior to entering the police station, they will not be able to register it. You may be asked to leave with your firearm and to return during the next work day or next available appointment.

If for any reason you bring a loaded firearm or a firearm and ammunition into the police station, you may be subject to arrest. If you are unsure about procedure, please secure your firearm and ask for assistance.

The following is a list of firearm registration stations on the island of Hawaiʻi and their hours of operation (for other islands, please contact the appropriate police department):

Hilo station* (South Hilo police district) Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 961-2239

Pāhoa station (Puna police district) Tuesday/Thursday (by appointment only) 965-2716

Laupāhoehoe station (North Hilo police district) Monday–Friday (by appointment only) 1:30–3:30 p.m. 962-2120

Honokaʻa statin (Hāmākua police district) Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (by appointment only) 775-7533

Waimea station (South Kohala police district) Monday–Friday (by appointment only) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 887-3080

Kapaʻau station (North Kohala police district) Monday–Friday (by appointment only) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 889-6540

Kailua-Kona station (Kona police district) Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 326-4646 (Ext.285)

Nāʻālehu station (Kaʻū police district) Monday–Friday (by appointment only) 9–11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.–3 p.m. 939-2520

*Firearms importations are processed in Hilo on weekdays only (excluding holidays) during the hours of 9–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m.

For further information or clarification, please call the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Firearms Section at 961-2239.