Why It Matters: On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law that broadly prohibited the lawful carry of firearms, including by licensed concealed carry permit holders, on private property open to the public unless the property owner had provided express consent. If allowed to stand, the law would have effectively made carrying a firearm unlawful in many everyday places, such as stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses open to the public, unless the owner had specifically granted permission.
Highlights:
- Following the Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, Hawaii enacted Senate Bill 1230 in June 2023. The law, commonly referred to as a “Vampire Rule,” established a default prohibition on carrying firearms on privately owned property open to the public unless the property owner expressly permitted it.
- The law was challenged by several Hawaii residents, who argued that the restriction effectively undermined the right to carry recognized in Bruen.
- In January 2026, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments.
- On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision striking down Hawaii’s “Vampire Rule.”
In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Hawaii’s “Vampire Rule” violated the Second Amendment by imposing a broad default prohibition on the lawful carry of firearms on private property open to the public.
For sportsmen and women, the decision provides clarification when traveling to and from hunting destinations or recreational shooting events and competitions. Licensed firearm owners routinely stop at gas stations, restaurants, sporting goods stores, and other businesses while transporting firearms. By striking down Hawaii’s default prohibition, the Court prevented law-abiding hunters and anglers from inadvertently violating the law simply because a business had not posted affirmative permission to carry.
Earlier this year, in response to the litigation in Wolford v. Lopez, Hawaii lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 3041. The legislation would require businesses and restaurants open to the public to display color-coded placards indicating whether firearms or large knives were permitted on the premises. If enacted, the bill would have created additional burdens for law-abiding hunters and anglers traveling throughout the state. Working alongside partners, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) opposed the legislation, and the bill failed to advance.
The Supreme Court’s decision represents an important victory for the constitutional rights of law-abiding firearm owners. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will continue to monitor legislation affecting sportsmen and women and advocate for policies that protect and advance our nation’s outdoor traditions.