Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release September 6, 2017

 

Hawaii’s National Hunting and Fishing Day Recognizes Contributions of Sportsmen and Women, September 16-17, 2017

(HONOLULU) – Over $1.1 billion– that’s how much federal funds were made available to states in 2017 for wildlife and sport fish restoration programs. Over $8.1 million alone was made available to Hawaii in 2017! 

The source of these funds: the Pittman-Robertson (1937) and Dingell-Johnson (1950) Acts administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program: https://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/. These Acts impose federal excise taxes on the sale of firearms, handguns, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft.  Revenue from these taxes goes right back into state wildlife agencies, like the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Hawaii, for wildlife and sport fish restoration projects, education, and shooting range development.

National Hunting and Fishing Day began in 1972 as a way for states to celebrate the ongoing contributions of sportsmen and women to wildlife and sport fish conservation and education efforts. This year marks the event’s 27^th year in Hawaii. “Our version of National Hunting and Fishing Day is unique,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case, “Hawaii hunters and anglers demonstrate their care for the land and the people of Hawaii”.  “Our Hunter Education Program, sister agencies within DLNR, and more than a dozen hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs partner with the Hawaii Food Bank at this event to help combat hunger in the islands, especially in a time when homelessness is so prevalent,” Case added.

For every dollar or pound of canned food that participants donate to the Hawaii Food Bank, they will receive one activity coupon to participate in National Hunting and Fishing Day activities**.  These include: archery, trap (shotgun) shooting, .22 rifle and handgun, high power rifles, cowboy action shooting, muzzleloading, fish casting contests, and fishing demonstrations.  There will be additional free educational displays and demonstrations at this year’s event, September 16-17, 2017 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Koko Head Shooting Complex, 8102 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825. Food trucks will be on-site, and admission is free.

Andrew Choy, Hawaii Hunter Education Program Manager said, “In the spirit of National Hunting and Fishing Day, this is a great family friendly event that provides safe and welcoming learning opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to experience all the different shooting and fishing activities.”  “This year, the Hunter Education Program will also be introducing the First Shots program to encourage hands-on training for Hunter Education Program graduates: if you received your Hawaii Hunter Education certification within the last year, show us your Hawaii Hunter Education card, and your first shots are on us!” Choy added. Donate to the Hawaii Food Bank, support our natural resources, learn, and have fun.

For more information, call the Hunter Education Program at: 587-0200.

**Firearms are supplied by participating shooting clubs.  No personal firearms are allowed at National Hunting and Fishing Day sponsored activities.

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Media contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
(808) 587-0407
[email protected]