Yes, brass knuckles are illegal in Hawaii. Carrying them is a misdemeanor under Hawaii Revised Statutes 134-51, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. If you possess or use them while committing another crime, the charge becomes a Class C felony carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.1Justia. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Deadly Weapons; Prohibitions; Penalty
What the Law Actually Covers
HRS 134-51 (the statute uses the term “metal knuckles”) makes it illegal for any unauthorized person to carry concealed or be found armed with the weapon, along with dirks, daggers, and blackjacks.1Justia. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Deadly Weapons; Prohibitions; Penalty The statute covers two separate situations: carrying the weapon at all, and possessing or using it during a different crime. Each has its own penalty.
Section 134-51 does not cover switchblades, butterfly knives, firearms, or electric guns. Those are regulated under their own statutes.2FindLaw. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Carrying Deadly Weapons The statute also does not list manufacturing or selling brass knuckles as a standalone offense, though selling one to another person arguably assists in the buyer’s crime.
The Misdemeanor for Simply Carrying
Carrying brass knuckles on your body, in a bag, or in your vehicle is a misdemeanor under HRS 134-51(a). The statute also authorizes officers to arrest you on the spot without a warrant if you’re found with them.1Justia. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Deadly Weapons; Prohibitions; Penalty
A misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of one year.3Justia. Hawaii Code 706-663 – Sentence of Imprisonment for Misdemeanor and Petty Misdemeanor The court can add a fine of up to $2,000.4Justia. Hawaii Code 706-640 – Authorized Fines After conviction, the chief of police or sheriff destroys the weapon itself.1Justia. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Deadly Weapons; Prohibitions; Penalty
Even a first offense with no other conduct attached leaves a permanent weapons misdemeanor on your record.
The Felony When Another Crime Is Involved
Under HRS 134-51(b), knowingly possessing or intentionally using a deadly weapon while committing any felony or misdemeanor is itself a Class C felony.2FindLaw. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Carrying Deadly Weapons You do not have to actually strike anyone. Having the brass knuckles on you during the other offense is enough.
A Class C felony carries up to five years in prison5Justia. Hawaii Code 706-660 – Sentence of Imprisonment for Class B and C Felonies and a fine of up to $10,000.4Justia. Hawaii Code 706-640 – Authorized Fines This felony sentence runs in addition to the sentence for the underlying crime, not in place of it. The court decides whether the two run concurrently or consecutively.2FindLaw. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Carrying Deadly Weapons
The Narrow Defenses
Hawaii leaves little room to legally justify having brass knuckles, but a few arguments do exist.
Lawfully in Your Own Home
It’s a defense to the carrying charge under subsection (a) that you were lawfully present in your own home.2FindLaw. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Carrying Deadly Weapons This defense does not reach subsection (b), so using the weapon in another crime at home is not covered.
Authorized by Law
Section 134-51(a) applies only to persons “not authorized by law,” which creates an implied exemption for law enforcement and other government personnel whose duties require them to carry such weapons.1Justia. Hawaii Code 134-51 – Deadly Weapons; Prohibitions; Penalty
Challenging the Search or Knowledge
If the police found the brass knuckles through a search that lacked probable cause or a valid warrant, the weapon can be suppressed, which usually ends the case. The statute also requires that you “knowingly” carry the weapon, so finding brass knuckles in a borrowed bag you didn’t know contained them is not the same offense.
What Follows a Conviction
The sentence itself is only part of the exposure.
No More Firearms
A felony conviction under 134-51(b) permanently bars you from owning, possessing, or controlling any firearm or ammunition in Hawaii. Violating that bar is a Class B felony on its own.6Justia. Hawaii Code 134-7 – Ownership, Possession, or Control Prohibited Federal law adds its own parallel prohibition, so the restriction follows you if you leave the state.
Voting
A felony conviction suspends your right to vote from sentencing until final discharge, but the suspension lifts during any period of probation or parole.7Office of Elections – Hawaii.gov. Voters with a Felony Conviction
Expungement Is Almost Never Available
Hawaii only allows conviction expungement for a short list of offenses: underage DUI, first-time drug offenses, and first-time property offenses. Weapons convictions are not on the list.8Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. Expungements You can expunge an arrest record under HRS 831-3.2 if you were acquitted or the case was dismissed,9Justia. Hawaii Code 831-3.2 – Expungement Orders but a conviction, even the misdemeanor, stays on your record permanently.
Background Checks
Both the misdemeanor and the felony appear on criminal background checks. Jobs requiring security clearance, professional licenses, or work with vulnerable populations often treat any weapons conviction as a disqualifier, and many other employers treat it as a red flag.
A Note for Visitors
Hawaii’s rule applies the moment you arrive, regardless of where you bought the brass knuckles or whether they’re legal where you live. Several other states permit them under various conditions, and Texas legalized them in 2019 after a century-long ban. None of that matters at a Hawaii airport, in a Hawaii rental car, or on a Hawaii street.