I have a couple of ar15 rifles that I only register the lower receiver with HPD because of the legal time constraints of taking possession of the lower. then building the rifle later when I have time. Under the description section of the permit it says "lower only". But asks for caliber/barrel length/ make/model.  Do I need to return and register the entire rifle once it is built? Is there legal issues if I don't register?

I have a couple of ar15 rifles that I only register the lower receiver with HPD because of the legal time constraints of taking possession of the lower. then building the rifle later when I have time. Under the description section of the permit it says "lower only". But asks for caliber/barrel length/ make/model.  Do I need to return and register the entire rifle once it is built? Is there legal issues if I don't register?

There is no legal mandate to return with the finished rifle.  Legally, the lower receiver is the "rifle".  Now, if you're building an AR pistol, that's a different story, but you said you are making it into a rifle. 

HPD strongly recommends you return so they can verify the barrel length is legal for a rifle.  But there is no need to go if you so choose.

If you ever transfer the build to a Hawaii resident, HPD will update the description on the new owner's registration form.

I find it funny that oahu i hear you guys talk about ar pistols and even seen um in pictures at koko head. But if anyone talks about it in maui its all ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. But is it?

I find it funny that oahu i hear you guys talk about ar pistols and even seen um in pictures at koko head. But if anyone talks about it in maui its all ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. But is it?

Not per the Hawaii revised statutes (Hawaii state law) as long as it is built as a pistol.

I find it funny that oahu i hear you guys talk about ar pistols and even seen um in pictures at koko head. But if anyone talks about it in maui its all ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. But is it?

Plenty of detailed threads on this site discussing how to legally build an AR pistol if you are really interested in doing that.

Plenty of detailed threads on this site discussing how to legally build an AR pistol if you are really interested in doing that.

Yup specifically we are talking about an AR pistol versus and assault pistol that is built on an AR platform.

I have a couple of ar15 rifles that I only register the lower receiver with HPD because of the legal time constraints of taking possession of the lower. then building the rifle later when I have time. Under the description section of the permit it says "lower only". But asks for caliber/barrel length/ make/model.  Do I need to return and register the entire rifle once it is built? Is there legal issues if I don't register?

Also depends on 4473 ( or whatever the form number is )
I've heard that if you buy a complete rifle from an ffl with the transfer form it should be registered as a complete rifle.
If you Purchased a lower only or private sale, can register as lower only.
No idea how true this is or HRS behind it.

Also depends on 4473 ( or whatever the form number is )
I've heard that if you buy a complete rifle from an ffl with the transfer form it should be registered as a complete rifle.
If you Purchased a lower only or private sale, can register as lower only.
No idea how true this is or HRS behind it.

I don't think the HRS really is written specific enough to delineate between a completed gun and just the lower.

I find it funny that oahu i hear you guys talk about ar pistols and even seen um in pictures at koko head. But if anyone talks about it in maui its all ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. But is it?

There have been issues with outer islands in regards to builds of AR pistols  (welded magazine or single shot types).  They are legal as long as it does not meet the definition in the HRS as an "assault" pistol.  The threads are on here somewhere.  They might even confiscate the lower, whether it is legal for them to do so or no.  I believe your only recourse after that is to sue them.