Aloha, Resident since 2007 Brought in by US Army, now retired and staying. Sold some guns before coming as everyone said HI such an anti gun state. Lots of goofy gun restrictions, but lots of good gun respecting citizens too. Everything I have,(not much) was purchased outside of the state. So, I'm wanting to purchase a 5.56, something or other, need to get "Permit to Acquire" first. Or, do I need one if buying a rifle online and shipping to local FFL?
I'd recommend you go to HPD and apply for the long gun permit as soon as it's convenient. Take ID, $14.75 for fingerprinting (one-time requirement for first firearm permit), doctor info if not a major HMO in Hawaii, and proof of US residency if born outside the US..
Pick up the completed permit after the 2 week waiting period. You have a 6-day window to pick it up. If you wait longer than 6 days after it's ready for pick up, they will shred the permit, and you start all over again with the application and 2-week wait.
That permit is valid for a full year, and it allows you to purchase an unlimited number of long guns.
Once you have the long gun permit, you can take that to any FFL and pick up a new rifle or shotgun on the same visit. If you order online, the rifle will ship to an FFL. That FFL will transfer the firearm to you as if you bought it from the local FFL, even though you paid the online seller.
When you pick up the long gun, you have 5 days to take it to HPD and register it.
Put the long gun permit in your safe or somewhere you won't lose it. You should take it with you anytime you go to apply for another permit. It makes things go much quicker and easier for the guys helping you.