Hawaii
US appeals court agrees to re-hear Hawaii butterfly knife ban case
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit agreed to re-hear the court’s 2023 three-judge panel decision Thursday which struck down a ban on butterfly knives in Hawaii.
Chief Judge Mary Murguia vacated the panel’s previous decision setting up another test for the scope of the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the authority which the panel cited to strike the ban down.
Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are an easily opened type of pocket knife with two handles. They have been banned in Hawaii for 30 years and are subject to restrictions in numerous states as well as outright banned in many countries around the world. The case challenging the ban began in 2019 when two Hawaii men sued, arguing the restrictions were unconstitutional prohibitions on their rights to use the knives in self-defense.
A summary from the 2023 panel decision said that the knives were “bladed weapons [that] facially constitute arms within the meaning of the Second Amendment” and continued that “Hawaii had failed to prove that [the ban] was consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of regulating weapons.” The state argued in its petition for a rehearing that the panel had misapplied Bruen to bladed weapons and that the court should have asked whether butterfly knives were commonly used for self-defense.
Bruen requires that any regulation of “firearms” be within the history and tradition of American weapons regulation. The decision of the case set off a firestorm of criticism for the new approach to Second Amendment constitutional issues and resulted in lower court cases ruling on the constitutionality of state laws governing everything from assault weapons to ammunition background checks.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Emergency crews responded to a medical incident offshore of Kualoa Regional Park Tuesday.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department said rescuers were called around 1:01 p.m. for an unresponsive adult man aboard a vessel about 10 miles offshore in Kaneohe waters.
Crews met the vessel near Mokolii, also known as Chinaman’s Hat, where a lifeguard boarded and began CPR and oxygen treatment.
The man was transported to Kualoa Regional Park, where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over care and continued advanced treatment.
No additional information about the man’s condition was immediately available.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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