KAWAII KON WEAPONS POLICY

[sdahlin]

KAWAII KON WEAPONS POLICY

These rules are for the safety of those in attendance at Kawaii-Kon, and to allow those in costume to wear them responsibly at our convention. We enforce the weapons policy to ensure the safety of all those attending Kawaii Kon, and we maintain a strict Weapons Policy. We, the Founders, Directors and the Security Department of Kawaii Kon, appreciate the time and effort put into the creation of your costumes, props, and replica weapon/ weapon-like items and understand that props and weapons are often a vital part of an anime character’s costume. However, safety does come first. Please read and understand Kawaii Kon’s weapons policy before using / making any props for your costume. It is imperative that any props, weapons or weapon-like items (called ‘weapons’ from here on forward for simplicity’s sake) comply with Kawaii Kon’s Weapons Policy as well as with all local, state, and federal laws. This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws.

Inspection

All props and weapons will need to be submitted to the Kawaii Kon Security Department for inspection prior to being allowed within the convention area. A weapons inspection desk will be stationed near the primary entrance to the main convention level.

All items must be inspected and zip-tied for compliance with this weapon policy. The zip-tie must be visible at all times to indicate that the item has been inspected. As this document cannot be all-inclusive, there may be times where a judgement call by the Security Department weapons inspectors will need to be made on the acceptability of a prop or weapon. Please understand that Kawaii Kon reserves the right to refuse the entry of any prop or weapon it deems unfit, ill-constructed or unsafe to the convention.

Uncostumed prop / weapon-bearing

All props or weapons must support the overall look the you are currently wearing. Wearing a prop or weapon for its own sake is not allowed. For example: you may not wear regular street clothes and carry a sword or a staff. Now, we understand that there may be anime characters that do wear ‘regular’ street clothes and carry weapons – but if you are ‘costumed’ and you are stopped for violating this rule and you cannot convince security staff that you are cosplaying as ABC from anime XYZ, you may need to rethink your costume (while taking said prop / weapon off and removing it from the convention grounds).

Brandishing

Brandishing is defined as drawing, exhibiting, waving or using any item, prop or weapon in an unsafe manner. Any such display of an item, prop or weapon in an aggressive or threatening manner, real or implied regardless of intent, or any other activity thought to be unsafe is strictly forbidden.

The only exception to the brandishing rule is for photography / videography. For the limited period you are posing and if the area around you is clear of bystanders. You are allowed to pose with an item, prop, or weapon in a brandishing-like manner so long as no reasonable person would interpret the pose as anything but safe and no real threat. However, please exercise great caution when doing so – we want everyone (including yourself) to be safe!

Misuse of a prop or weapon can be considered grounds for removal or ejection from the convention. Anyone brandishing an item, prop, or weapon will be warned and asked to remove said item from the convention grounds. If the individual ignores this warning and / or brings the banned item back, he or she may face membership badge forfeiture and removal from the convention.

Anyone found fighting (real or otherwise) or threatening someone with an item, prop, or weapon will be immediately removed from the convention grounds, and their membership badge confiscated. They may also be turned over to the local authorities as required.

The Directors and Security Staff of Kawaii Kon, and the Hawaii Convention Center Security, in their sole and absolute discretion, are empowered to determine whether a particular act constitutes “Brandishing” and its severity.

Edged weapons, metal
1. No sharpened edged weapons – all metal blades must be blunt
2. No unsheathed edged weapons – all metal blades must be sheathed
3. Any edged weapons that cannot be peace-bonded to permanently secure the metal blade within its sheath will not be permitted.

Clubs / blugeoning weapons (including wooden swords)
1. No rigid metal piping may be used in the construction of any weapon / prop
2. No brittle construction materials (for example, glass or acrylic sheet) can be used in the construction of any weapon / prop
3. No 'sharp' points – all points must be constructed of non-rigid / soft materials
4. Keep weight in mind – the bigger an item is, lighter the construction material is required

Miscellaneous weapons
1. No kunai – all kunai-type weapons regardless of construction material may not be used.
2. Bows & slingshots – real bows and slingshots may be used, but without bowstrings and propelling tubing
3. Chains – no metal chains. Short lengths of plastic chain (12" or less) are acceptable
4. Whips – whips which are peace-bonded to prevent uncoiling will be permitted.

Guns
1. No real guns of any type are allowed.
2. No metal pellet / BB guns are allowed.
3. No paintball guns are allowed.
4. Airsoft
A. All airsoft weapons that have a magazine must have the magazine removed and chamber cleared of any projectiles. If the magazine cannot be removed, the weapon must be empty of projectiles.
B. Any airsoft weapon that is battery operated must not contain batteries.
C. Gas-powered airsoft weapons cannot have propellant present in the weapon or magazine.
5. 'Nerf’-type weapons – allowed as long as no ammunition is present
6. Waterguns – allowed as long as no liquid is present
7. All 'firearms' must have an orange tip and it must be present on the weapon at all times. When holstered, either the orange tip must be visible through the holster, or the weapon’s zip-tie peace-bond must be visible.

[Dango!]

-Gnaws on the edge of this thread- :B

That part in yellow is a big hard to read. Maybe make it red?

-Insert more gnawing at the thread-

[zetsuei]

-Gnaws on the edge of this thread- :B

That part in yellow is a big hard to read. Maybe make it red?

-Insert more gnawing at the thread-

I think that was suppose to be like that to get your attention.
Highlight that section with your mouse and you can see the message clearly.

[ash*]

So if I make a 3 ft. fake bazooka-thing out of plastic pipe parts (o-ooh alliteration) it shouldn't be too heavy, eh? :\

[Dango!]

I think that was suppose to be like that to get your attention.
Highlight that section with your mouse and you can see the message clearly.

This is true, but I thought that red would just stand out without the need of highlighting.

[abunai59]

mm
is a death note considered a weapon? (just wondering...)

[zetsuei]

mm
is a death note considered a weapon? (just wondering...)

Please try and keep this a serious topic.

Unless you made your death note out of something dangerous, then it should be fine.

So if I make a 3 ft. fake bazooka-thing out of plastic pipe parts (o-ooh alliteration) it shouldn't be too heavy, eh? :\

yes, It should be fine. I think the term your looking for is "PVC pipe".

[abunai59]

imma sorry T~T
it's just that some schools really do consider it a weapon and it's actually been outlawed in many cases...

[zetsuei]

imma sorry T~T
it's just that some schools really do consider it a weapon and it's actually been outlawed in many cases...

Thats fine.
I've read and heard about those cases.
It technically wasn't the book that those kids used but just regular paper.
The kids said they followed it from the anime "Death note" not death note the book.

So as long as you dont actually make threats with people and using your death note "Book" then you dont have to worry.

[abunai59]

ok then
thanks

[odiemodie]

It technically wasn't the book that those kids used but just regular paper.
The kids said they followed it from the anime "Death note" not death note the book.

So as long as you dont actually make threats with people and using your death note "Book" then you dont have to worry.

Which goes to show, in this case, the old, but oh so true saying:

"The pen is mightier than the sword".

[ash*]

Thanks

[zetsuei]

Thanks

No problem.
Glad I could help.

If there are any more questions out there, feel free to post them here and we would be glad to answer them.

[ZeroLocke]

Just to clear this up...
there are no airsoft guns allowed at all?

[zetsuei]

Just to clear this up...
there are no airsoft guns allowed at all?

No, Airsoft guns are allowed, but they must be safety checked.....
All airsoft guns MUST HAVE an ORANGE TIP on their gun.
The gun must also be EMPTY.....so NO BULLETS or AIR CANISTER.

[Chugoku-jinko]

i remember in the previous years like 2006 and in 2007 security staff would always be walking around with neon colored straps and would inspect everyone who has brought a weapon and put the straps on the weapons. this year i've noticed i didn't see none of the security staff doing that. instead i saw a table for security outside in the hallway bewtween the artist's alley and the panel room. so i'm just wondering if we had to go up to the table and have them inspect it. because i never knew it was the secuirty table until i left kon. but i never brough a weapon anyway. so i'm guessing in the next years of con, your'e just going to have a weapons inspection table for people to bring up their weapons and get them tagged?

[odiemodie]

I believe that to be so for this next upcoming Kon.

This past KK I had to take my Gaffi stick in to get it tagged, or "Strapped marked", a bright neon green locking strap wrapped around it at the weapons check-in table/station that was off to the right in front of the AA room. It is recommend or preferred that the marker strap be in plain sight, and on some place of your weapon where you can remove it without damaging it ,when the time comes to remove the strap. I had to use a metal snips cutter to take it off mine. A pair of scissors would do just fine, but it can tend to scratch or score the finish of your weapon as you try to cut it off, so You may want to ask them to loop it alittle loose for space so you can cut it off easier, but not loose enough that it will slide off. Once it's on, it stays on for the entire duration of the Kon you have it with you.

And being that this is a standard house rule, comply to it, because it is rather quite inconvenient and embarrassing for you when they snag you right in front of your friends and tell you your weapon needs to be checked in and "marked". Worst, if they find it to be "unacceptable", you will return back to your crew empty-handed. So read up, and ask up, it will save you alot of heartache if you have to give up that long labored, and long invested Bushido blade you've been wanting to bring so long to show off to everyone there @ KK.

[DarkDaigoro]

Just to confirm/answer your question, yes you WILL need to go to the Security table and have your weapon checked.
A few of us, if not just me, did try to let people know to go to the table.
Though I see your point, as it was indeed the first year that my department has had our own table, so it's understandable that not everyone would be aware of this.
But again, we will have tables again, weapons check will be done there, and I'm sure a few of us will be reminding kon goers to check their weapons at the table, just in case.

I myself might probably be carrying a few zip-ties with me, to lessen the amount of stray paddles that haven't been checked...

[odiemodie]

And not only there will be straps/ties for weapons, but also extra large ones for those of you who brandish your weapon irresponsibly and is combatant towards the policy as well as KK security (Ever heard of "zip-tie handcuffs", mate?).

JK, but that is something not an impossibility, as long we continue to have good people attending the Kon every year.

So let's hope we don't have to come to that, eh?

[buma]

hey folks - lets try and keep postings on this subject on-topic please. This topic covers the Kawaii Kon Weapons Policy and questions on it. Please keep non-topic specific posts down to a minimum.

Also for clarity sake, please let the Security director, assistant directors, the security staffers, or the founders or other department directors only respond to questions at hand. I know some of you are eager to help, but as Kawaii Kon grows and grows, we do have to occasionally change our rules from time to time and we do not want non-staffers to give out out-of-date or misleading information.

Thanks for your understanding

[ZeroLocke]

Just to clear this up...
there are no airsoft guns allowed at all?

No, Airsoft guns are allowed, but they must be safety checked.....
All airsoft guns MUST HAVE an ORANGE TIP on their gun.
The gun must also be EMPTY.....so NO BULLETS or AIR CANISTER.

I see...
so will it be the same as last year with no spring airsoft guns allowed?

[zetsuei]

so will it be the same as last year with no spring airsoft guns allowed?

yeah, spring loaded guns are not allowed this year.

[MadMallard]

updated.

[001-Raijin]

Well, I hope they don't tie the bands too tight, my Ebony and Ivory resin models had dug in areas because it was way too tight, which reminds me I still need to repaint them.

[DarkDaigoro]

We hope to avoid that in the future, but we do apologize.

[001-Raijin]

Oh no it's cool, I can just paint over it.

[odiemodie]

Well, I hope they don't tie the bands too tight, my Ebony and Ivory resin models had dug in areas because it was way too tight, which reminds me I still need to repaint them.

Ditto here, it's all good. My Gaffi stick is still cool modee...

[ZelisNA]

How about fake/toy gun that once could fire but now don't. (broken, no trigger, barrel has been clogged etc.) are those fine? I have a broken and mod'd nerf gun that has its barrel clogged, i would need to add an orange tip, but it should be fine right?

[abunai59]

Check the main post, the details there are pretty specific to how your gun can meet the requirements.

[Rakoku]

I am just curious about this ( don't know if I can actually go this year) but for an Axel cosplay, can you bring his chakrams? I think there might be a problem with the spikes on it and just want to make sure.

[zetsuei]

I am just curious about this ( don't know if I can actually go this year) but for an Axel cosplay, can you bring his chakrams? I think there might be a problem with the spikes on it and just want to make sure.

Yes, those are allowed. Just make sure they are not "actual" Chakrams and there are no "actual" sharp blades on them.
If the spikes on them can hurt someone, then I would suggest not bringing them or try making the weapon another way, for example someone used cardboard to make Axel's weapon.

[abunai59]

Yeah, i feel uncomfortable near people carrying sharp objects..
So, just umm make sure it's not sharp I guess. -or heavy

[Rasheab]

From the main page, link "Weapons Policy."

"Personal firearms, while permitted by the State of Texas for individuals with a valid and current license for a concealed handgun, are not allowed into any convention space regardless of reason. Any individual caught with such weapon in a convention space will be asked to leave convention space and/or reported to local authorities."

Copy and paste typo?

[zetsuei]

From the main page, link "Weapons Policy."

"Personal firearms, while permitted by the State of Texas for individuals with a valid and current license for a concealed handgun, are not allowed into any convention space regardless of reason. Any individual caught with such weapon in a convention space will be asked to leave convention space and/or reported to local authorities."

Copy and paste typo?

Do not worry about that.
It was just an example of concealed weapons.

But the last sentence is what you need to know.
Anyone with live firearms will be asked to leave the premises.

[AnnieMei]

Anyone with live firearms will be asked to leave the premises.

that should include working airsoft and paint ball weapons.

[abunai59]

*and possibly even Nerf dartguns etc.

[Kenix]

Anyone with live firearms will be asked to leave the premises.

that should include working airsoft and paint ball weapons.

the most honorable airsoft players empty their mags and leave the batteries at home. with gas guns the mags are left at home

[Rasheab]

Do not worry about that.
It was just an example of concealed weapons.

But the last sentence is what you need to know.
Anyone with live firearms will be asked to leave the premises.

I'm aware of that. I was mentioning what appeared to be a typo.

It seems strange (and stereotypical) to mention Texas, when both Washington and Oregon have concealed pistol permits, and are closer. Btw, considering that Hawaii does not have a concealed weapon permit (that they are willing to issue, at least), if someone were to be found with a firearm, the police won't just be asking them to "leave the premise."

[abunai59]

However stereotypical it may seem, I'm sure that wasn't intended to be discriminatory.

[zetsuei]

It seems strange (and stereotypical) to mention Texas, when both Washington and Oregon have concealed pistol permits, and are closer. Btw, considering that Hawaii does not have a concealed weapon permit (that they are willing to issue, at least), if someone were to be found with a firearm, the police won't just be asking them to "leave the premise."

We apologize if you got offended by it, but we never meant it in that way.
Our staff are not trained in all aspects of security for every single state so we used whatever info is given to us.

I was not talking about the police.
Kawaii Kon Security will tell you to "leave the premises".
If the situation gets hot, will the police be involved on site.

[Tenkuma]

Friendly reminder that law-enforcement officers will be on property to over see our Security.
Most likely you will not know who they are.
Please don't do any thing to stupid or you might find your self in cuffs...
Good luck and have fun!
~Tenkuma

[MadMallard]

Btw, considering that Hawaii does not have a concealed weapon permit (that they are willing to issue, at least), if someone were to be found with a firearm, the police won't just be asking them to "leave the premise."

...This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws.

The remark has been removed that mentions concealed firearms. The inclusion was meant mostly for traveling attendees coming from states unfamiliar, and anyone else with legitimate firearm ownership that may be unaware that Hawaii has no permissible carry policy at all. Hopefully informing and at the same time discouraging people from doing so.

I could have just as easily put my home state of Georgia. But who knows/cares anything about Georgia? =p

[gavilatius]

... can I bring my gunblade? arm cannon that shoots golf balls?

[CPOK]

Would a cricket bat be acceptable to bring along to the con as part of a costume? It weighs about 1.4kg and is made of wood. I am asking this in advance due to planning my luggage weight (20kg limit).

Cheers.

[odiemodie]

Would a cricket bat be acceptable to bring along to the con as part of a costume? It weighs about 1.4kg and is made of wood. I am asking this in advance due to planning my luggage weight (20kg limit).

Cheers.

Ay, Mate. I was gonna bring one along myself, but probably not because I'm cutting down my various cosplays, and the least on the list are the ones I have to cut out of the list to appear at the Kon, due to the shortness of time, and economics of costume material cost.

The character I had to sadly delete from cosplay: Casey Jones. We all know he carries a golf bag full of wooden weapons of mass destruction, and the Cricket Bat was one of them. I know everyone of them would be "Tagged" with Darkdaigoro's zippy ties.

I say that (the zip ties) in support, I as a returnee, I really do.

Your Cricket Bat should be OK, as long you get it checked out by Security, and then "peace-maded".

[zetsuei]

... can I bring my gunblade? arm cannon that shoots golf balls?

Depends on how your gunblade is made, if its cardboard or lightweight, then its fine.
But if its heavy and sharp, then I would say no...especially since the gunblade doesnt have a sheath.

If it can still shoot the golf balls, then thats a No.

Would a cricket bat be acceptable to bring along to the con as part of a costume? It weighs about 1.4kg and is made of wood. I am asking this in advance due to planning my luggage weight (20kg limit).

It is acceptable, just make sure there isnt any splinters on it or any rigor parts that could harm people.

Your Cricket Bat should be OK, as long you get it checked out by Security, and then "peace-maded".

Please try and refrain from answering some of these posts, especially if it pertains to what weapons "are" and "are not" ok.
Also, the correct term is "peace-bounded"

[WrathXingXingLi]

soooo.... um..... if i were to make a fake sword outta a 1/4 in. thick wooden plank and give it a sheath, say outta some kinda thick fabric and leave it tied the whole kon, (it's not gonna be sharp, by the way, just a piece of wood) and the hilt made of a wooden dowel and paint, is that okay? I won't attack people, honest~! I only ever use my evil glare~! *W* *A* *X*

[odiemodie]

Pardons, zetsuei, only helping a fellow mate, there.

"Cuse the tyro, some of us do use different sayings or terms, but that was indeed off the mark, here.

Knowing what a Cricket bat is, triggered some fond personal memories, so I couldn't help making a positive response in support of this important and sensitive matter.

My pardons, again.

[gavilatius]

dang... well, I guess I have nothing to defend myself with...

[odiemodie]

I know definitely that my arm cannon/ mega buster will be OK, that it will be made of either foam or plastic, which also will only emit light and even sound. No lazer beam, no plasma or mega burst, nor destructive wave-motion ending all known life death ray, blast.

It would be rather strange to see something that is not in anyway a "practical REAL world-working weapon", "peace-bounded".

But then again, I would take that as a compliment.

(Note: These comments are meant to enlight, less or not critique).