See, that whole "or other deadly or dangerous weapon" in the statue could be interpreted (and probably would be interpreted) to apply to any thing that you could use effectively for self-defense.

And, honestly, what possibly justification could you offer for carrying a folding shovel?  You were afraid to use the public restrooms in the park, so you wanted to dig your own latrine?

I am looking for a cane.  Canes and walking sticks are easy to justify, they are legal to carry on to airplanes, and definitely could be used in a defensive capacity.  Just looking for the right one!

You need a combat cane.

Heres their website:
http://www.canemasters.com/

I have one of these and take it with me whenever I need a weapon... Errr I mean, when I need help walking.

i have the answer!

the tactical pen.



not only that, pretty much any other robust, hard to break item can become a weapon. what a better way to circumnavigate the ridiculously ambiguous "deadly weapon" definitions than to have a plainly un-deadly object you would use for everyday menial purposes?

btw, folding shovel in the backpack? no worries.

"dude my friend borrowed it when he went camping. he just gave it back to me. COINCIDENTALLY this dude tried to mug me on the way home and i chopped his hand off with it. use what you got right officer?!"

"right officer?!"

"no?! where you grad?! i know yo braddah!!"

A shovel should be fine.

I carry a gggaz battle hawk http://www.gggaz.com/index.php?id=141on my backpack wherever I hike and have never had an issue from any LEO, DLNR, or otherwise. Most of them usually ask me where I got it, vice why I have it..followed with a comment about how useful it would be if needed.

That being said, never had an issue here in 14 years carrying various folders or fixed blades, most of it is how you handle it when questioned....which has only happened once or twice.

Not sure what the hype is, but know the laws and when you may be crossing the line...and if you do..how to handle the situation.

Vood

I was going to comment on the butterfly knives and nunchaku, but Tom_G already beat me to it.

I wish the statutes were less vague and more self consistent on this topic. Would a machete count as a deadly or dangerous weapon? The sole purpose of the machete is not to inflict bodily injury. It is also for cutting foliage. What about a sai or kama? I have all of these lying around my yard for gardening purposes that any trespasser can steal, although most are dull and rusted up.

What about a katana? It's my preferred method of home self-defense and varmint removal, since I'm still a novice with firearms. Could one make a case that a katana mainly serves a ceremonial or decorative purpose?

Here's a case where a Marine was carrying a knife and used it in self-defense while in Waikiki.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/Police_investigate_Waikiki_stabbing_make_arrest.html

that's awesome that he was not charged.  ONE FOR THE GOOD GUYS

"The people in Charge" don't want us law abbiding citizens protecting ourselves.. It makes it harder to control us...If (when) they need (want) to....

Here's a case where a Marine was carrying a knife and used it in self-defense while in Waikiki.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/Police_investigate_Waikiki_stabbing_make_arrest.html

I can't help but think that that's bullshit. Not the results, I'm glad he was not charged with anything - as it should be. The lack of any clear laws on self-defense - or the carrying of tools for the purpose of self-defense - places Justice on the whim of a few people, based on who-knows-what since it's not printed anywhere. If it is, then I stand corrected. Otherwise, this is bureaucrtic bullshit. Kind of like our firearm laws. On one hand, I'm ecstatic that a law wasn't needed to exercise common sense and letting the ambushed victim(s) go. On the other hand, I'm afraid in the political climate Hawaii is in, common sense is not all that common.

What kind of knife was used? I'm guessing information like that is ommitted so it doesn't give the public ideas of what they could carry for self-defense. If they prosecuted him, it would have kicked up a shit-storm, have snapped a percentage of people out of droning and being told what to do, and encouraged a reform that would have garnered the support of the military and mainland visitors abroad. If we knew what kind of knife he had, and he was illegally carrying an illegal knife on him, then they should've prosecuted him for it. I sure as hell hope that he was carrying something other than a dagger or dirk or butterfly knife, which are indicated as illegal. If he was indeed carrying one of those three types of knives, but let him go to avoid a political clusterf**k, then I ask: What the f**k ever happened to Justice and obeying laws, instead of doing what best works for you and your own agenda? Where's the integrity? Call me naive, but this is all bullshit.

Even if it were a pocket knife and completely within what may be "legal" means of carrying, there is no clear definition of legal carrying of tools for self-defense, and therefore retains it's status of bullshitmanship.