I have not been to any casinos lately, so how do they know if a person is carrying a concealed weapon? Metal detector at the door? It would probably go off hundreds of times in a day. Hawaii is almost guaranteed to put something in the law about businesses being allowed to ban guns on their premises. We can be sure Whole Foods will have a big notice in their front entrance. So will every bank in the state. The legislature will also sneak in language about slapping individuals with a misdemeanor should they carry a gun into a store that bans them. Even if the person unknowingly brings a loaded gun into the store. Another requirement that the state will impose upon CCW owners is that they maintain the weapon in close control. How do they expect a carrier to go to a bathroom inside a private business, where most companies will ban guns in these locations? How hospitable will the LGS stores be to having customers carry concealed weapons loaded with ammunition? Invariably, when you travel to a store or business, you will probably need to find a place to park. How will the Aloha Tower Marketplace parking lot owners feel about gun owners carrying loaded weapons on their person as they get out of their cars and head to the sidewalk? Thus, there are a lot of practicalities that need to be figured out before we enter CCW heaven.
CASINO QUESTION:
Some casinos have detectors at the main entrances. However, last time I stayed at Main Street Station, there were only notices on the doors that barred firearms in the casino. That was a few years ago. I read that the Cosmopolitan has installed metal detectors and screens all guests. Most properties don't advertise their security measures so as not to freely give information to anyone interested in finding an easy target.
I stored my firearms in my room at Main Street. That's not the casino, so I took the signs literally.
Casinos would need to set up a manned screening entrance like the courthouses or airports to wand and X-ray everyone and everything. I don't think that's the "experience" they want tourists to have to suffer through. However, with the COVID screening (questions and temp checks), it's easier to merge that with security screening and reduce the inconvenience of only doing security screens.
If you happen to print, expose or otherwise give away the fact you're carrying, you could be barred from the casino's properties -- and that means ALL of their properties. Most major casinos are part of a much larger corporation, so that might cause a real problem for you.
I think if you want to carry, and the casino posts signs against, you should either disarm or go elsewhere -- your choice. Breaking the rules brings consequences.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2020/10/13/55036-las-vegas-casinos-strengthening-security-measures-amid-increased-violence-on-the-stripHAWAII LAWS:
If you "unknowingly" carry a loaded firearm anywhere, you probably do need to receive a wake-up call. I can't imagine anyone not knowing they have a concealed weapon, especially if they carry it everyday. If you meant they carried into a store they didn't know prohibits it, that's different. You can simply leave when asked. Better than having the police called and getting a trespass notice.
As for keeping the weapon "close", the existing Hawaii statutes merely state that you need to be within close proximity of the firearm so that it is within your control. On a table, on a hook, etc. Basically at an arms distance within reach. How you implement the requirement is up to you. Holsters and clothing will vary. Maybe in some cases, a shoulder rig makes the most sense if you need to visit Johnny very often.
Gun stores on the mainland vary by how lenient they are. I know one that asked each person to unload their CCW weapon in their car and present it to the greeter with the action open to show it's safe. Lots of customers are there to try out holsters, and they don't need people handling loaded pistols while inserting and removing them inside holsters, One particular store places a zip tie through the mag well to ensure you can't insert a mag.
Most of the time, it would be smart and prudent to unload your pistol and use a case to carry it into a gun store if you need to show it to the staff. If they allow CCW on premises, maybe carry another pistol loaded in your holster? Any time you remove a pistol from a holster, you're inviting Mr. Murphy to make your day a bad one.
PARKING LOTS:
Most businesses can't enforce bans on firearms in parking lots, loaded or not, because they have to allow patrons the ability to disarm and store their weapons in their vehicles if they expect anyone who carries to shop there. In fact, employees have won court cases against their employers who tried to prohibit guns from employee parking lots. That becomes a defacto infringement on the employees' right to be armed as they commute to and from work.
Common sense has to be part of the equation. Trying to disarm the public by making it a game of hopscotch won't fly. If you can carry
to work, but not
at work, the business must allow firearms in their parking lots. If you have to use public parking, your choices may be limited. Make sure the businesses running public parking lots get the message, too. They are losing business with their policies.
Every time I see these types of discussions, I think back to the Luby's Cafeteria mass shooting in Texas. The legislature recently banned carrying firearms in restaurants. One lady lost both her parents, even though she had a good chance to defend them and herself if she hadn't obeyed the law by leaving her gun in the car. These are teachable moments that should be used everywhere the government seeks to control CCW.