Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Hawaii? 2026

Are FRTs Legal in Hawaii?

No, forced reset triggers (FRTs) are illegal in Hawaii. The federal ATF classifies these devices as machine guns. Hawaii's state law, specifically Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §134-1 and §134-8, defines and prohibits machine guns in a manner that includes FRTs, making possession a serious felony.

Understanding the Federal and State Conflict

The legality of any firearm accessory, especially one that increases the rate of fire, is determined by a combination of federal and state laws. For residents of Hawaii, this means navigating the strict regulations of both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hawaii state legislature. Forced reset triggers exist in a particularly contentious legal space. An FRT is a modification that uses the energy from the bolt carrier group's reciprocation to reset the trigger, allowing for a much faster rate of fire than a standard semi-automatic trigger. This function is at the heart of the legal debate.

At the federal level, the ATF made its position clear in an open letter. The agency determined that some FRT designs are machine guns because they allow a firearm to fire more than one shot with a single, continuous pull of the trigger. According to the ATF, the shooter's single voluntary action of pulling the trigger initiates a continuous firing cycle that only stops when the shooter releases the trigger or the firearm runs out of ammunition. This interpretation places FRTs under the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, effectively banning them for civilian possession without special licensing.

Hawaii State Law: A Close Examination

Hawaii has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the United States, and its definition of a machine gun is critical to understanding the status of FRTs. Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §134-1 defines a 'machine gun' as 'any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.'

This definition is crucial. The ATF's reasoning for classifying FRTs as machine guns aligns almost perfectly with Hawaii's statutory language. The 'single function of the trigger' is the key phrase. Since the ATF argues that pulling and holding the trigger is a single function that results in continuous fire, an FRT-equipped firearm would meet Hawaii's legal definition of a machine gun. This differs from the legal landscape in other jurisdictions; for example, you can see a different set of state-level interpretations when asking are forced reset triggers legal in Nevada? State & federal law explained.

Furthermore, HRS §134-8, titled 'Ownership, etc., of certain firearms prohibited,' explicitly makes it illegal for any person to 'own, possess, manufacture, or otherwise control any machine gun' unless authorized as a law enforcement officer or for specific scientific purposes. There is no exception for civilian ownership of machine guns, whether they are factory-built or created through modification with a device like an FRT. The combination of the state's broad definition and its outright prohibition leaves no legal room for FRTs in Hawaii.

Technical Comparison: FRT vs. Other Trigger Systems

To appreciate the legal distinction, it's helpful to understand how an FRT functions compared to a standard semi-automatic trigger and other trigger modifications like binary triggers. A standard trigger requires a distinct pull and release for every single shot. The disconnector ensures the hammer is caught and held until the trigger is released and pulled again. A binary trigger fires one round on the pull and a second round on the release, meaning two distinct trigger actions result in two shots. The legal status of these can vary, and it's worth reviewing specific state laws, as seen in the debate over whether are binary triggers legal in Iowa? State law & ATF rulings.

An FRT, however, operates differently. When the trigger is pulled and held, the trigger is automatically and forcibly reset by the forward motion of the bolt carrier. This means the shooter's finger only needs to maintain rearward pressure to fire the weapon at a rapid, continuous rate. It is this 'forced reset' mechanism that allows for a rate of fire approaching that of a fully automatic weapon and is the specific action that both the ATF and Hawaii law classify as an illegal machine gun function. Many shooters looking for legal ways to customize their firearms can browse all gun listings to find a wide variety of compliant parts and accessories.

Legal Consequences of Possession in Hawaii

The penalties for possessing a prohibited firearm in Hawaii are severe. A violation of HRS §134-8, which includes possessing a machine gun, is a class B felony. Under Hawaii law, a class B felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. These are not minor infractions; the state treats the possession of an illegal machine gun as a very serious crime.

Given the ATF's federal classification, a person in Hawaii possessing an FRT could potentially face federal charges in addition to state charges. Federal law prohibits the possession of an unregistered machine gun, which also carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and significant fines. The legal risk associated with owning an FRT in Hawaii is substantial, involving the possibility of life-altering felony convictions, lengthy prison sentences, and the permanent loss of firearm rights. The process of legally transferring firearms is already complex, as detailed in our guide on how to sell a gun, and navigating it with a prohibited item is impossible.

Hawaii's Restrictive Firearm Environment

The prohibition on forced reset triggers is consistent with Hawaii's overall approach to firearm regulation. The state has an 'assault weapons' ban that restricts many common semi-automatic rifles and pistols. It also has a 10-round limit on magazine capacity for handguns. All firearm acquisitions require a permit, and all firearms must be registered with the local chief of police. This comprehensive regulatory framework creates a very high barrier to firearm ownership.

This legal environment is important context for understanding why accessories like FRTs are unequivocally illegal. States with strict gun control measures, such as Hawaii and Connecticut, are quick to adopt federal interpretations that limit or ban devices that increase a firearm's capabilities. The legal analysis in are forced reset triggers legal in Connecticut? Understanding CT firearm accessory laws shows a similar pattern of state law reinforcing a federal ban. For anyone in Hawaii, the clear takeaway is that state law and federal rulings are in complete agreement: forced reset triggers are illegal machine guns. Navigating the state's requirements is a challenge, and anyone looking to purchase a firearm should first review a how to buy a gun guide specific to their location's laws.