Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release September 12, 2014

DLNR TO PROMOTE NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY
Your donations earn coupons for fun activities /
help support families through Hawaii Food Bank

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to take part in National Hunting and Fishing Day. To promote awareness, DLNR will host two events on Sept. 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Koko Head shooting complex in East Oahu, 8102 Kalanianaole Hwy.

DLNR’s events will showcase the department’s Hawaii Hunter Education Program and local hunting and fishing clubs, as they celebrating more than 75 years of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration by supporting families in need via the Hawaii Food Bank. Other activities will include safety education and fun hands-on training that highlight the shooting sports and recreational hunting and fishing.

Entrance is free, but for each canned good or $1 donated to the Hawaii Food Bank, participants will receive one free activity coupon to participate in shooting, fishing, and archery activities. Eye and ear protection are required. There will be a lunch wagon on site.

For every can of food or $1 donated, participants will receive an activity coupon to join in various firearms, archery or fish casting activities. A mandatory safety briefing will be provided for each participant. The public can also enter a drawing to receive various door prizes from the Hunter Education Program.

“We salute the commitment of Hawaii’s sportsmen and women and thank everyone who recognizes the critical need for food donations,” said William J. Aila, Jr. DLNR chairperson. “The generosity displayed today shows how much people care about our environment and families in need.”

“Hunters, shooters and archers pay for 80 percent of all the nation’s wildlife programs through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937. This act imposes a 10.5-11 percent tax on firearms, ammunition, archery gear and accessories. More than $22 billion has been raised since the creation of the act,” said Andrew Choy, DLNR Hunter Education Program manager. 

Children age 8 and under accompanied by adults, may participate in archery with lightweight compound bows provided by the National Archery in the Schools Program; and fly, spin and surf casting, courtesy of the Hawaii Freshwater Fishing Association and Kakaako Kasting Club. Participants who complete every “hands-on” activity will receive a certificate of recognition.

Educational displays will be presented by members of: the Safari Club International – Hawaii Chapter; the Hawaii Historic Arms Association; Hawaii Friends of the National Rifle Association; Wahiawa Middle School; Hawaii Freshwater Fishing Association; Kakaako Kasting Club; Oahu Pig Hunters Association; Pacific Islands Fisheries Group; Watson T. Yoshimoto Foundation; and the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources, Forestry and Wildlife, Conservation and Resources Enforcement, and Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Hunting and Fishing Day is supported by in-kind contributions from local organizations and by federal grants from license fees and special taxes on purchases on firearms, ammunition, archery gear, fishing equipment and boating fuel. Last year the Hunting and Fishing Day raised more than 2,400 pounds of food contributions and $2,755 in monetary donations for the Hawaii Food Bank.

Koko Head shooting range is located off Kalanianaole Highway (from Hawaii Kai heading toward Waimanalo, take the first left driveway past Hanauma Bay).

For more information about Hunting and Fishing Day, call the DLNR Hunter Education Program at 587-0200.

# # #

Photos are available on Google at: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101613020396360217549/posts

Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320