To stay safe in a Honolulu parking garage or shopping-center lot, park in a well-lit spot close to an entrance or elevator, have your keys ready before you leave the building, keep your phone in your pocket while you walk, look around your car as you approach, and lock the doors as soon as you are inside. If you think someone is following you, do not go to your car. Head back toward people, staff, or security, and call 911 if you feel threatened. A personal alarm or other safety device is a backup to these habits, not a replacement.
Choosing where to park
Where you park decides a lot before you ever leave the car. The same basics apply at Ala Moana, a Waikiki hotel garage, or the lot at work.
- Park near light and people. Spots close to elevators, stairwells with glass, entrances, or attendant booths are better than far corners.
- Avoid tight spaces. Parking beside large vans or walls you cannot see around creates blind spots.
- Note your level and row. Take a quick photo of the sign so you are not wandering later.
- Think about the return trip. A spot that feels fine at noon may be empty and dim at 9 pm. Park for the time you will come back.
Walking to your car
The walk between the store and your car is when people are most distracted. Hands are full, phones are out, and minds are already on H-1 traffic.
- Keys in hand before you leave the building. Do not dig through a bag at the car door.
- Phone away. Make your call or check your messages inside, or once you are locked in the car.
- Look as you approach. Glance around, under, and inside the car before you reach it.
- Walk with others when you can. Leave with a friend or coworker, or ask store security if an escort is available.
- Load and go. Put bags in quickly, get in, lock the doors, and drive.
If someone is loitering near your car, go back inside and wait or ask for help.
What to do if you are being followed
- Do not lead them to your car. Turn back toward the store, a lobby, a busy area, or an attendant.
- Get into a crowd or a staffed place. Tell an employee or security officer what is happening.
- Call 911 if you feel threatened. Give your location as clearly as you can: the garage name, level, and nearest landmark.
- Make noise. A loud personal alarm draws attention from everyone nearby.
- If you are already driving and a car follows you, do not go home. Drive to a busy, well-lit public place and call 911.
Distance and leaving are always your first choices. Any safety device comes last, only if you cannot get away.
Safety devices that fit a car routine
The right tool is the one you will actually carry and can use under stress.
A loud alarm on your keys. The Banshee ($35) is a 130dB personal safety alarm that comes with a carabiner, so it can live on your key ring and already be in your hand when you walk out.
A handheld pepper launcher. The PepperBall® Blast Stick Live X ($53) is a handheld launcher with a metal clip, a quick flip safety, an 8 lb trigger pull, and a 10 ft effective range. The Inert Blast ($50) uses a baby powder payload for practice.
A compact launcher. The Byrna Compact Launcher (CL) ($565) is a .61 caliber launcher with a 60-foot effective range and a loaded chamber indicator. The Level I Micro Holster (CL only) ($49.99) is an IWB or OWB holster with adjustable retention.
A flashlight-style stun device. The Taser Strikelight 2 ($189) looks like a regular flashlight with high, low, and red LED modes, plus an audible arc warning. It is an electric gun, so it is sold in person only at the Honolulu store to buyers 21 and older, with a background check, signed declaration, and safety briefing. It is never shipped.
The Hawaii laws guide says Byrna and PepperBall CO2 launchers are not classified as firearms in Hawaii and are legal for adults 18 and older without a permit, but they cannot be carried concealed in certain restricted areas such as government buildings, schools, and airports. It also notes that the no-duty-to-retreat rule of Hawaii's limited Castle Doctrine applies in your own dwelling. A parking garage is not your home, so leaving safely comes first. Any force must be proportional to the threat.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check our Hawaii laws guide or a licensed attorney.
Keeping devices secure in your vehicle
A safety device left on the seat is an invitation to a break-in, and a stolen launcher helps no one.
- Out of sight, every time. Never leave a device, projectiles, or CO2 visible on a seat, dashboard, or floor.
- Lock it up. If you must leave something in the car, use a locked glove box, console, or a lockable case, and lock the car.
- Carry it with you when you can. A device in the trunk is not helping you on the walk back.
- Protect magazines. The Mag Defender ($40) is a snap-fit cover that keeps .68 caliber Byrna magazine rounds seated and keeps dirt and lint out. For the CL, there is a CL Magazine Cover ($24).
Heat in a parked car
Cars parked in the Hawaii sun get hot inside, even with a sunshade up. Before you leave a device, CO2 cartridges, projectiles, or anything with a battery in a parked car, check the manufacturer's label for its storage temperature and follow it. The simplest habit is to bring your device and supplies inside with you. If you are unsure about a specific product, contact us or call the store at (808) 489-2454.
You can compare options in the shop or put together a carry setup with Build your kit. The shop at 1773 S King St offers hands-on demos, so you can handle products before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest place to park in a parking garage?
Park in a well-lit spot near an elevator, entrance, or attendant, away from blind corners and large vehicles. Think about how the spot will feel when you return, not just when you arrive.
What should I do if someone follows me to my car?
Do not go to your car. Walk back toward people, staff, or security, make noise if needed, and call 911 if you feel threatened.
Can I leave a Byrna or pepper launcher in my car in Hawaii?
If you must leave one in the car, keep it out of sight in a locked space, and check the manufacturer's label for storage temperature. Bringing it inside with you is the safer habit.
Does Hawaii's Castle Doctrine apply to my car?
According to the store's Hawaii laws guide, Hawaii's Castle Doctrine applies only to your dwelling, not your vehicle or place of business. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I buy a TASER Strikelight online for my car in Hawaii?
No. Electric guns in Hawaii must be bought in person at the dealer's premises by someone 21 or older, with a background check, signed declaration, and safety briefing.