How to register a firearm

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The Hawaii Police Department reminds firearms owners that after obtaining the proper permit to purchase a firearm and after the firearm has been purchased, it is the owner’s responsibility to register it within five days.

The Hawaii Police Department reminds firearms owners that after obtaining the proper permit to purchase a firearm and after the firearm has been purchased, it is the owner’s responsibility to register it within five days.

Likewise, a firearm brought into the Hawaii must be registered within five days.

Before coming to the police station to register any firearm, take these steps at home or at the gun dealer’s establishment:

• Unload your firearm. Transporting a loaded firearm is against the law.

• Prepare your firearm by having it “open” and visually safe — bolt removed, clip removed and slid into the open position, cylinder removed or in open position, etc.

• Transport your firearm in an enclosed container. It is the law.

• Do not enter the building with any ammunition in your possession.

Please be advised that if the firearm is not “open” and visually safe for inspection prior to coming into the station, we will not be able to register it.

You may be asked to leave with your firearm and to return during the next work day or next available appointment.

If for any reason you bring a loaded firearm or a firearm and ammunition into the police station, you may be subject to arrest. If you are unsure about procedure, please secure your firearm and ask for assistance.

The following is a list of firearm registration stations on the island of Hawaii and their hours of operation:

• Hilo station, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 961-2239 *

• Pahoa station, Tue. and Thu., by appointment only, 965-2716

• Laupahoehoe station, Mon.-Fri., by appointment only between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., 962-2120

• Honokaa station, Mon.-Fri., by appointment only between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., 775-7533

• Waimea station, Mon.-Fri., by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., 887-3080

• Kapaau station, Mon.-Fri., by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., 889-6540

• Kailua-Kona station, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 326-4646, ext. 285

• Naalehu station, Mon.-Fri. by appointment only between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., 939-2520

*Firearms importations are processed in Hilo on weekdays only, excluding holidays, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

For further information or clarification, please call the Hawaii Police Department’s Firearms Section at 961-2239.