In Setback for Public Safety, United States Supreme Court Overturns Hawai‘i’s ‘Default Rule’ for Firearm Carry on Private Property Open to Public

NEW YORK – The United States Supreme Court just issued a flawed decision in Wolford v. Lopez, siding with gun rights litigants to strike down Hawai‘i’s law that prohibited carrying firearms on others’ private property open to the public without permission. In doing so, the Supreme Court has declared that a gun owner has permission to enter a business with a weapon unless explicitly told otherwise. This flips the script on common sense, turning any private property open to the public into a default carry zone.

“While today’s ruling in Wolford is disappointing, owners still have every right to decide whether firearms are allowed in their stores and businesses,” said Janet Carter, Managing Director of Second Amendment Litigation at Everytown Law. “The Supreme Court may have changed the default rule, but it cannot take away a private property owner’s authority over their own land. By taking small steps to make clear guns aren’t welcome—as simple as posting a sign at the door—business owners can help keep their customers and staff safe. And Hawai‘i’s law still stands for private property that isn’t generally open to the public—nobody can bring a gun into your home without your permission.”

“In the military, you learn that clarity around the use of firearms is incredibly important. Hawai‘i’s law provided that clarity for our community, rooted in the basic respect that you don’t bring a gun into a place of business unless you have the owner’s permission,” said Chris Marvin, Everytown for Gun Safety Veteran Advisory Council Member. “By striking down this law, the Supreme Court is prioritizing a small minority’s desire to carry everywhere over common sense.”

Today’s decision has stripped away a fundamental baseline for safety; instead of gun owners asking for permission, the burden is now shifted onto all kinds of businesses—local coffee shops, family-owned bookstores, and neighborhood gyms—to take active steps to opt out.

The path forward now rests with individual property owners. Most customers—including many gun owners—prefer the clarity of a stated policy. By posting clear signage, business owners can eliminate guesswork and maintain the relaxed atmosphere customers expect when dining or shopping. Volunteers with Moms Demand Action are already working to educate business owners on how to exercise their rights.

Even though the outcome of today’s Supreme Court decision is disappointing, it’s important to note that it is specific to the default rule for public-facing businesses; it does not strike down protections for sensitive places like schools, government buildings, or polling places. Furthermore, it does not address a community’s ability to maintain a no-carry default for property not open to the public, such as private homes.

Litigation and policy experts are available for interviews to discuss. Please reach out to press@everytown.org to coordinate.