FAIRFAX, Va. – On March 29th, the Hawaii Rifle Association (HRA), with the support of the National Rifle Association, filed a lawsuit challenging Hawaii’s extreme requirement that a concealed carry license can only be issued in “urgent” or “exceptional” instances.

“This law is so extreme that regular, law-abiding Americans cannot obtain concealed carry licenses, and that is a clear violation of their right to keep and bear arms,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.

The lawsuit, Livingston v. Ballard, challenges a concealed carry law in Hawaii that requires citizens demonstrate an “urgent” or “exceptional” need for a license. Because of that standard, no ordinary citizens have been issued concealed carry licenses since 2013.

“Law-abiding Americans should not have to demonstrate an extreme need in order to exercise their right to protect themselves and their families. The right to self-defense is protected by the Constitution, and restrictive, anti-gun states cannot strip citizens of their rights,” Cox concluded.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.