A federal judge recently upheld Hawaii’s law prohibiting individuals under 21 from purchasing firearms.
The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by a national pro-gun group, challenging the state’s age restriction as a violation of the Second Amendment. U.S. District Judge Jill Otake stated that the plaintiffs failed to show they had a strong case and that overturning the law would not benefit public interests.
Hawaii’s Attorney General’s office defended the law, highlighting its role in protecting public safety.
Deputy Solicitors General Ewan Rayner and Thomas Hughes represented the state, emphasizing that the law, in place for over 30 years, aligns with a historical precedent of restricting access to firearms for young individuals.
The decision supports the state’s ability, alongside the federal government, to impose age-related restrictions on gun ownership.