Hawaii Settles Lawsuit Allowing for Carrying of Billies for Self-Defense

News Release from HiFiCo, May 25, 2023

Honolulu, Hawaii - On May 23, 2023, a settlement was reached in the case of Yukutake vs Shikada, which challenged Hawaii's law on carrying batons in public for self-defense.

Until now, HRS 134-51 made it illegal to carry a "billy," which is defined as a "policeman’s club" or "truncheon," in public. The settlement that was reached today allows citizens to carry billies for self-defense, recognizing that the prohibition on carrying billies is unconstitutional and that billies are a protected arm that may be carried and available for use in self-defense.

The case was heard in the United States District Court - District of Hawaii, where the judge accepted the settlement between the plaintiffs, Todd Yukutake and Justin Solomon, and the State of Hawaii.

The settlement allows citizens of Hawaii to carry billies for self-defense without fear of legal repercussions. Billies are one of the most historically available self-defense tools. No one can deny that humans throughout all time would have used a simple stick to protect themselves from harm.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Alan Beck, expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, "I am very glad the people of Hawaii will have access to batons after today. They are a practical means of self-defense."

The decision to settle this lawsuit sets an important precedent for other arms with similar restrictions on their carrying. It reinforces the importance of the Second Amendment and recognizes the right of citizens to protect themselves and their families.

About the Plaintiffs:

Todd Yukutake and Justin Solomon are two concerned citizens who challenged the prohibition on carrying billies for self-defense in Hawaii. Yukutake was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard after 20 years of service and is a former officer with the Honolulu Police Department. He is also a director for the Hawaii Firearms Coalition.  Solomon was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps after 12 years of service.

Persons wishing to carry a baton for self-defense are advised to be familiar with appropriate use of force and the laws regarding self-defense. See HRS 703.

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