We moved to HI from WA where we had our CCW.
Now, with no CCW, I'd like to have some self-defense options if my wife or myself are faced with a fair fight or worse.

However, I'm not sure what is allowed in HI or not.

I spend most days in cargo shorts so I want to be realistic for EDC.

Moreover I realize situational awareness is the first step to not getting attacked.

I also realize cool toys are pointless without training.

My wife has had an abundance of gun training, but we're behind the curve where non-gun defense is concerned.

That said, I'm just curious what other people do here in HI for self-defense carry?

- Pepper gel
- Knife? What is the size limit here in HI?
- What striking weapons are allowed?
- Defense "belt"?

I don't want to advertise I have anything...the first time the bad guys know I've got something should be when they feel it...

There is no size limit for knives as long as they are folding and not auto.   Pepper spray is legal too I think. 

There is no size limit for knives as long as they are folding and not auto.   Pepper spray is legal too I think.

We live in a tourist area in Kihei, Maui so it's pretty quite here.
However, I happened to be walking to town last night and the route there was vacant and included a few nice hiding spots for creeps.
It challenged me to start thinking defensively again like I did on the mainland.

We'll need to get some edged weapons defense training soon.
It's a pretty nasty feeling to know I might be the one bringing a knife to a gun fight.
I preferred it the other way around....especially for my wife.

Have have some pepper gel on the way here from the mainland.

I'm curious what I can find for a striking weapon that would actually be effective but still concealable.
I'd prefer it pack a baseball bat sized impact, but that would look awkward in my pocket.

How about a full hydro flask attached to a short rope?

We live in a tourist area in Kihei, Maui so it's pretty quite here.
However, I happened to be walking to town last night and the route there was vacant and included a few nice hiding spots for creeps.
It challenged me to start thinking defensively again like I did on the mainland.

We'll need to get some edged weapons defense training soon.
It's a pretty nasty feeling to know I might be the one bringing a knife to a gun fight.
I preferred it the other way around....especially for my wife.

Have have some pepper gel on the way here from the mainland.

I'm curious what I can find for a striking weapon that would actually be effective but still concealable.
I'd prefer it pack a baseball bat sized impact, but that would look awkward in my pocket.

I know many folks go walking with a golf club iron or a hardwood walking stick.  Better than nothing against the 4, or 2, legged creatures of the night.

Pepper spray is the most effective and convenient thing you can have.  Other options are pocketknife and a big dog.  If you get attacked, then anything goes.  Throw your bag at em, grab a trash can,etc.

Whatever it is, training is good to have.  Half of it is knowing techniques, the other half is being able to function under stress.

These are some of the things you cannot have...
134-51  Deadly weapons; prohibitions; penalty.  (a)  Any person, not authorized by law, who carries concealed upon the person’s self or within any vehicle used or occupied by the person or who is found armed with any dirk, dagger, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be immediately arrested without warrant by any sheriff, police officer, or other officer or person.  Any weapon, above enumerated, upon conviction of the one carrying or possessing it under this section, shall be summarily destroyed by the chief of police or sheriff.

These are some of the things you cannot have...
134-51  Deadly weapons; prohibitions; penalty.  (a)  Any person, not authorized by law, who carries concealed upon the person’s self or within any vehicle used or occupied by the person or who is found armed with any dirk, dagger, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be immediately arrested without warrant by any sheriff, police officer, or other officer or person.  Any weapon, above enumerated, upon conviction of the one carrying or possessing it under this section, shall be summarily destroyed by the chief of police or sheriff.

Thank you for the code reference. It specifically mentions "slug shot", which I a friend gave us made with para chord and 1" ball bearings. I was just about to start carrying that so your post was very helpful.
I suppose that item might find it's way into the bushes if I had to use it, but the fewer things I have to think about post confrontation the better...

It is a bit annoying that the only people who get to carry deadly weapons are criminals.
We've only been here a few months so that takes some getting used to.
We're basically screwed in the multiple adversary situation, but at least pepper spray may give use a bit of time to escape.

also no tasers.  I'm hoping that the Massachusettes ban on tasers get overturned and the ruling goes nationwide.

Walking sticks are great.  Also 4 D battery mag lights are good.

also no tasers.  I'm hoping that the Massachusettes ban on tasers get overturned and the ruling goes nationwide.

Does that only apply to the type where you pull the trigger and electrodes embed in target OR does that include contact stun devices?

Walking sticks are great.  Also 4 D battery mag lights are good.

Yes, I suppose there's no substitute for an object of substantial mass impacting someone.

However, my hope is to develop a "purse" or cargo-shorts compatible strategy whereby everything looks pretty normal until you're a bad guy experiencing significant and hopefully debilitating discomfort.

I'd rather maintain physical separation, but that may not be up to me or my wife.

Does that only apply to the type where you pull the trigger and electrodes embed in target OR does that include contact stun devices?

Any and all shocking devices.  They even mention cattle prod. I forget the HRS but I'm sure someone will post it up. 

Any and all shocking devices.  They even mention cattle prod. I forget the HRS but I'm sure someone will post it up.

I'll need to take the cattle prod out of the car...holy cow what a crazy state!!!

When we sold our home in WA at the end of 2013 we moved to South FL for 6 months.
+ Warm and fairly dry in the winter.
+ 1,000 SF 2BR apt for $765/mo with water, sewer and trash included.- LOW cost of living compared to HI.
+ AKA "The Gunshine State"

Half the year it's amazing. The other half the year it's trying to kill you...and there's a lot more than just centipedes that want to bit you.
Oh...don't forget almost daily lightning/thunder and the occasional direct hit from a hurricane.

My wife has always wanted to live in Hawaii so after RVing for 2 years and testing the Southern states, here we are....
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE living in Kihei.

I believe the Maui threat matrix is mild compared to Oahu and much of the mainland, but it would still be nice to have a way to level the playing field if someone decides I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I look forward to meeting other 2aHawaii members.
- Mahalo

Wait I thought it was ruled tasers were allowed somewhere recently.

Wait I thought it was ruled tasers were allowed somewhere recently.

That was in DC, it went to the supreme court who rather then rule on it sent it back to the lower court and said you got it wrong take another look at it. This is 100% a political move so they dont have to rule a ban on tazers unconstitutional and their ruling dosent effect the whole country but rather allows DC to change their decision so it only effects DC.

At night, a small high powered flashlight and a pepper gun rather than a spray would be good.  The Mace pepper gun is much faster to aim and shoot than any spray bottle.  I have the JPX Jet Protector which is really effective, but not too sure on its legality here. I personally carry two 3 inch fixed blades whenever I leave home along with a 3/4 inch diameter 6 inch long wood dowel to be used like a kubotan.  I throw two of them in my carry on bag whenever I fly and after going through security, I put one in each front pocket.  If you know how to use a kubotan, you can easily mess up someone.   Hopefully the other party does not have a gun or have to face multiple attackers.

At night, a small high powered flashlight and a pepper gun rather than a spray would be good.  The Mace pepper gun is much faster to aim and shoot than any spray bottle.  I have the JPX Jet Protector which is really effective, but not too sure on its legality here. I personally carry two 3 inch fixed blades whenever I leave home along with a 3/4 inch diameter 6 inch long wood dowel to be used like a kubotan.  I throw two of them in my carry on bag whenever I fly and after going through security, I put one in each front pocket.  If you know how to use a kubotan, you can easily mess up someone.   Hopefully the other party does not have a gun or have to face multiple attackers.

Wow...didn't know something like the JPX existed. Kinda Spendy but super cool....and as close to a concealed pistol as I may ever get here in HI.
I'm assuming presenting that pistol-lookin' thing might cause the attacker to hesitate for a moment too.
There's a low-end Kimber Pepper Blaster that I can afford right now so that's on the way.

I'm also going to check out Kubatons as a nice compact option. I've got a nasty flashlight.

THANK YOU for your suggestions.
I hope others find this thread useful too.

For EDC in HI, folding knives to me are the best option.  I would also use whatever I could lift for protection like chairs, rubbish cans etc.  I have OC-10 pepper spray but have never carried it. 

folding knife that is quick to access.
i like the pocket clip on the bottom of the handle in the "tip up" carry. if it has a flipper or an emerson wave type opening then it is pretty much as fast as a fixed blade.

Wow...didn't know something like the JPX existed. Kinda Spendy but super cool....and as close to a concealed pistol as I may ever get here in HI.
I'm assuming presenting that pistol-lookin' thing might cause the attacker to hesitate for a moment too.
There's a low-end Kimber Pepper Blaster that I can afford right now so that's on the way.

I'm also going to check out Kubatons as a nice compact option. I've got a nasty flashlight.

THANK YOU for your suggestions.
I hope others find this thread useful too.

kinda surprised no one mentioned boxing/grappling/martial arts