No, owning a flamethrower in Hawaii is prohibited under state law, with no exceptions for recreational use. The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General enforces strict firearm and incendiary device regulations, classifying flamethrowers as destructive devices under HRS §134-5. Violations carry felony penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment. Local ordinances in Honolulu and Maui further restrict possession, aligning with the state’s 2026 compliance framework for hazardous materials.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in Hawaii
- State Prohibition: HRS §134-5 explicitly bans possession of flamethrowers as “destructive devices,” with no legal loopholes for private ownership.
- Local Enforcement: Honolulu and Maui Counties impose additional permitting hurdles, requiring applicants to demonstrate compliance with fire safety codes, though approvals are rare.
- Penalties: Unauthorized possession constitutes a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines, per HRS §708-814.
Federal regulations under the ATF’s National Firearms Act do not preempt state bans, reinforcing Hawaii’s stringent stance. The Hawaii Fire Department’s 2025 hazard mitigation guidelines further discourage even temporary storage of such devices. Travelers transporting flamethrowers through Hawaii must declare them to customs, risking confiscation under state law.