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The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is taking Hawaii to court over what it sees as a blatant violation of constitutional rights.
SAF filed a federal lawsuit on November 21, 2024, challenging state laws that ban young adults aged 18 to 20 from purchasing, owning, or possessing firearms and ammunition.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, argues that Hawaii’s restrictions violate both the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.
SAF is joined in the case by Aloha Strategics LLC, JGB Arms LLC, and two private citizens, Juda Roache and Elijah Pinales.
What’s the Issue?
Under current Hawaii law, adults aged 18 to 20 are effectively barred from exercising their constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut minced no words.
“Hawaii’s ban on the purchase and possession of firearms by adults in the 18- to 20-year age group makes it impossible for these citizens to exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” he stated in a press release obtained by GunsAmerica.
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Kraut pointed to recent Supreme Court rulings and historical precedent that reaffirm these rights.
“The Hawaii statutes clearly conflict with those decisions and the relevant history,” he added.
SAF’s Stance
SAF argues that Hawaii’s actions essentially disregard the Second Amendment entirely.
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb made it clear: “Hawaii has essentially decided the Second Amendment doesn’t apply in that state, and they can’t be allowed to get away with it.”
Gottlieb emphasized the role of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prevents states from infringing on rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
“These prohibitions simply cannot be allowed to stand,” he said.
What’s Next?
In addition to the federal lawsuit, attorneys representing SAF and its partners have filed a memorandum supporting their motion for a preliminary injunction.
The case, Pinales v. Attorney General for the State of Hawaii, names Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez as the defendant in her official capacity.
This legal battle is shaping up to be a critical moment in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of young adult gun owners across the nation.
Bottom Line for the Pro-2A Community
Hawaii’s restrictions on young adults highlight a growing concern for gun owners: states that test the limits of the Second Amendment through restrictive laws.
This lawsuit isn’t just about Hawaii; it’s about ensuring that no state gets away with eroding constitutional rights.
Stay tuned as the case unfolds—it could set an important precedent for the future of the 2A.
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