by Andrew Walden

On January 16, 2025, Honolulu US District Judge Micah W.J. Smith “permanently enjoined” the Hawaii Attorney General from “enforcing (a gun ownership ban) against ... COFA migrants.”

The ruling in Peter v Lopez comes in response to a November 27, 2024 lawsuit filed by Second Amendment attorneys Alan Beck and Kevin O'Grady.  This is the latest in a long string of Hawaii Second Amendment victories scored by the duo.

PDF: Injunction

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BREAKING: Hawaii’s Firearm Laws Challenged in Federal Court!

from HIFICO, Nov 27, 2024

Today, Wednesday November 27, 2024, a brave Hawaii resident, Billy Peter, has taken a stand for Second Amendment rights by filing a federal lawsuit against the State of Hawaii! The lawsuit challenges the unconstitutional denial of firearm ownership to law-abiding COFA residents.

Hawaii’s restrictive laws make it impossible for COFA citizens—legal residents under the Compact of Free Association—to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense. These laws not only violate the Second Amendment but also the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by discriminating based on immigration status.

The Hawaii Firearms Coalition stands firmly in support of the plaintiff, and his attorneys (Alan Beck and Kevin O'Grady) who are fighting for equal rights for all law-abiding residents.  Every individual deserves the ability to protect themselves, their families, and their homes.

This case follows past major victories in firearm rights, including Fotoudis v. Honolulu, and Roberts v. City of Honolulu. which overturned similar bans for permanent residents. Yet Hawaii continues to trample on constitutional freedoms. It’s time for change!

Join the fight. Share this post and spread the word. Together, we can hold Hawaii accountable for its unconstitutional laws!

PDF: Peter v Lopez 1:24-cv-00508-RT-NONE

V: Lawsuit Challenging Hawaii's Ban on Gun Ownership by Micronesians Who Aren't U.S. Citizens but Who Are Allowed to Live in the U.S. Long-Term