Supreme Court Voids Hawaii Gun-Carry Default Rule in 6-3 Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court on June 25, 2026, struck down a Hawaii statute that barred most licensed handgun carriers from entering private property open to the public without explicit authorization from the owner or manager. Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the 6-3 majority in Wolford v. Lopez. The opinion held that the law conflicts with the Second Amendment as interpreted in the 2022 Bruen decision.

Hawaii enacted the measure after Bruen.

The statute created a default prohibition on carrying firearms onto another person's property unless the owner posted clear signage or gave unambiguous written or verbal consent. The law also listed dozens of additional locations where even permitted carriers could not bring firearms, including hospitals, restaurants serving alcohol, parks, schools, and banks.

Alito rejected Hawaii's argument that its pre-statehood customs and post-Bruen statute reflected a longstanding tradition that could limit the right to carry. The opinion stated that the Second Amendment applies uniformly across all states and cannot be narrowed by local attitudes. Justice Amy Coney Barrett filed a concurring opinion that also addressed Hawaii's reliance on local sentiment.

Dissent Three justices dissented.

The dissent is not detailed in the available reporting.