The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) has announced upcoming public hearings in August 2025 regarding a significant overhaul of its firearm carry permit regulations. The proposed changes aim to repeal the long-standing 'Rules and Regulations of the Hawaii Police Department Governing the Issuance of Licenses to Carry Concealed and Unconcealed Weapons' adopted in 1997, and to introduce new Rule 1. These amendments are expected to streamline, clarify, and update the existing framework for firearm acquisition and carry in the state. Key areas under review include permit-to-acquire procedures, firearms registration requirements, and criteria for obtaining a license to carry, including updated training and proficiency mandates. The proposed Rule 1 seeks to align HPD's regulations with evolving state and federal legal interpretations, as well as modern practices in firearm safety and ownership. Current Hawaii law mandates a permit to acquire both handguns and long guns, with a 14-40 calendar day processing time for background checks. The new rules may introduce changes to these waiting periods, the validity periods of permits, and the specific documentation required for applications, such as hunter education certifications or verified firearms training course completions. The HPD is emphasizing public engagement, providing opportunities for citizens to voice their perspectives on these critical updates that will directly impact firearm owners and prospective owners across the islands. Further details on the specific language of the proposed Rule 1 will be made available to the public in advance of the hearings.