Hawaii State Laws — Complete Reference

Hawaii is the only US island state and the newest (1959). Hawaii Revised Statutes span 37 titles. Hawaii has some of the country's strictest gun laws (particularly on carry, though 2022's Bruen decision changed the constitutional framework nationally). Hawaii has never had capital punishment. Hawaii is a common-law state with unique property law reflecting Hawaiian Kingdom origins.

Hawaii has a graduated 1.4%–11% state income tax (top rate one of the highest in the US), General Excise Tax (GET) rather than a traditional sales tax, and 4.4%–6.4% corporate income tax. Cannabis is illegal for recreational use (decriminalized for small amounts); medical program only. Hawaii has ceded lands with unique legal status from the 1898 annexation. Hawaii's judicial system has a Supreme Court, Intermediate Court of Appeals, and Circuit Courts.

What makes Hawaii law distinctive

• No death penalty ever — one of a few US states without capital punishment historically.
• General Excise Tax (GET) — replaces traditional sales tax, applies to more transactions.
• Strict gun regulations — permit-to-purchase, restrictive carry (post-Bruen litigation).
• 1.4%–11% income tax — top rate one of the highest in the US.
• Cannabis medical only — decriminalized for small amounts; recreational illegal.
• Ceded lands framework — unique post-annexation land status.
• Common-law state — not community property.