Free ‘guns not allowed’ signs offered to Hawaii businesses
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Hawaii law firm and a gun control advocacy group are reminding Hawaii business owners that if they want to prohibit guns from their property, they must have clearly posted signage.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law requiring people to get permission to carry guns into stores and hotels unless the owner specifically prohibits it.
Hawaii law firm Davis Levin Livingston has partnered with the gun control group Brady: United Against Gun Violence to offer free signs for businesses that decide to keep guns off their property.
“If they’re going to walk into a building that has a prohibited sign, you know, they’ll have to leave their guns in the car. So hopefully it will do something to advance the safety of our community,” said Mark Davis, founding partner of Davis Levin Livingston.
Davis added that it’s “now up to all of us to exercise our right to maintain gun-free premises.”
“It is no coincidence that Hawaii has long had some of the nation’s strongest gun safety laws and lowest rates of gun violence,” said Erin Davis, senior counsel and director of litigation at Brady. “Most residents believe businesses should be able to remain gun-free, and putting up a sign makes that happen and keeps our community safe.”
Businesses can get the free signs by emailing [email protected], or at the Davis Levin Livingston office in the Topa Financial Center, 745 Fort Street, Suite 1550, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“This is a vital step for business owners and other institutions to protect their customers and their families,” said Deborah Nehmad, chair of Brady’s Hawaii chapter.
In response, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition wrote an open letter that said:
“As businesses across Hawaii consider whether to post ‘No Firearms Allowed’ signs, we ask that you take a moment to carefully consider the long-term impact of that decision.
Hawaii is home to more than 150,000 registered firearm owners, meaning approximately 20% of households have at least one firearm. Many of those individuals are your customers, your neighbors, and members of your community.
It’s important to understand who these signs actually affect.
They do not stop criminals. Criminals ignore laws every day, and they are unlikely to change their behavior because of a sign on a door.
Instead, these signs primarily affect the people who have gone through Hawaii’s concealed carry licensing process. To obtain a license, applicants must pass extensive background checks, including criminal history and mental health reviews. They must also complete state-approved training and demonstrate firearm proficiency to standards established by their county’s Chief of Police. These are among the most thoroughly vetted members of the public.
Before posting a sign, ask yourself one simple question: Who is more likely to change their behavior because of it?
Those who oppose civilian firearm ownership will almost certainly continue shopping at your business whether you allow lawful concealed carry or not. A sign does not influence where they choose to spend their money.
Law-abiding firearm owners are different. If they are legally carrying a firearm, they cannot enter your business. Many will simply shop somewhere else. Others will choose to boycott businesses that prohibit lawful concealed carry and will encourage their family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same.
Every business has the right to establish policies for its property. We respect that right. We simply ask that you make that decision with a full understanding of the potential consequences.
Before placing a sign on your front door, consider whether it will actually improve safety or simply drive away loyal, law-abiding customers while doing nothing to deter those who intend to break the law.”
