Supreme Court Weighs Hawaii Rule Banning Public Carry
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60-Second Summary
Honolulu — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments in Wolford v. Lopez over Hawaii’s 2023 law that bars carrying firearms on private property open to the public unless owners permit it. Three Maui residents sued, saying the law conflicts with the Court’s 2022 Bruen decision expanding public-carry rights. During oral arguments conservative justices questioned distinguishing the Second Amendment from other rights, and lower courts previously issued partial injunctions against related provisions. The law carries criminal penalties. Oral arguments signaled limits on restrictions. The outcome could affect similar rules in multiple states. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from Yakima Herald-Republic, NBC News, CityNews Halifax, PBS.org, WCBI TV | Your News Leader and PJ Media.
Timeline of Events
- June 2022 — Supreme Court decides Bruen, prompting broader public-carry rights analysis.
- 2023 — Hawaii enacts law limiting firearms on private property open to the public.
- 2023 — Three Maui residents file Wolford v. Lopez challenging the law.
- Late 2023–2025 — Lower courts issue partial injunctions and rulings on related provisions.
- January 2026 — U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 4
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 67%, Right 17%
Gun rights advocacy groups, permit holders, and conservative legal advocates would benefit if the Court limits states' authority to default-ban public carrying on privately owned public spaces.
Hawaii state officials, public-safety advocates, property owners seeking strict limits, and legislators who enacted the 2023 restrictions could see reduced regulatory authority and enforcement tools.
Coverage of Story:
From Center
Supreme Court Weighs Hawaii Rule Banning Public Carry
Yakima Herald-Republic CityNews Halifax PBS.org WCBI TV | Your News LeaderFrom Right
Hawaii Wants to Ban Public Carry by Default. The Supreme Court Doesn't Seem to Agree.
PJ Media
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