I know, it's gotta be "fake news", right? It's hard to begin to imagine the government here doling out the bucks for a shooting range, given their antipathy towards everything citizen firearm related, but... i guess if the cops are saying they need it and want it the pols may be persuaded. And who knows? Maybe in 10 or 20 years (the proposed, and still unrealized, Kona range has been in the works somewhere in that range of time...)...  Here is the email from the Glenwood Range Association president:

Howzit everyone,

SPREAD THE WORD!  The Hawaii County Game Management Council will be holding an exploratory meeting to discuss the feasibility of having a municipal gun range in Hilo.  The hearing will be held on Tuesday January 17 at 6:30PM in the Council Chambers on Aupuni St.

There will be representatives from DOFAW, HPD, PTA and OTI giving testimony as well as a period for public testimony.  The agenda for the meeting is attached to this message.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY ATTENDING AND ENCOURAGING ALL OF YOUR HUNTING, SHOOTING AND GUN OWNER FRIENDS TO ATTEND.  The long term life of the range in Mt View is not certain and we need to prepare for the future by getting the ball rolling now.  As we all know, due to bureaucratic red tape, it takes years for the government to go from a need to reality.

Thanks and please always use safe firearm handling practices.

* * * * *
There was an attached .pdf file of the official county agenda, which the county does not provide online, but here are a couple of relevant parts besides the date and time of the meeting:

Announcements and Introductions:
• Jim Keefe – On Target Range Construction Specialists
• Tom Campbell – Sgt. Major Pahakuloa Training Area
• James Cogswell – DOFAW Wildlife Program Specialist
• Joey Mello – DOFAW Big Island Wildlife Biologist
• Representatives from the Hawaii Police Department
• Richard Hoeflinger – Past President On-Target

Discussion:
The Hawaii county Game Management Commission is exploring the necessity, feasibility,
requirements, and opportunities for a County Built and Operated Shooting Facility. In our
initial probe into this effort;
a. Richard Hoeflinger, Past President and Director of On-Target in the need for a
Shooting Facility
b. Representative of Hawaii County Police Department and their need for an adequate
shooting facility
c. Sgt. Major Tom Campbell of Pohakuloa Training facility on Public Opportunities at
Pohakuloa
d. Jim Keefe of On-Target will be presenting the nuts and bolts of range development
e. Joey Mello – James Cogswell of DOFAW as to Hawaii State participation in range
development

WOW!!! Great news indeed! But why Hilo? It made more sense in Kona where it was planned. I can only wish it will happen sooner than later.

Thanks for the update Puna!!! 

There was supposedly money allocated for a range on Kona side.
I guess that is gone.
Most of us here know where to go to shoot.  I could care less about the cops.
they just spray and pray anyway, plus they have access to the National guard
range by the airport.
Seems like a waste of time as long as we are under the oppression
of Democrats.  We can just keep doing what we do, which is legal, until we can
get a  supreme court to shut down all this un-constitutional Hawaiian gun BS. 

WOW!!! Great news indeed! But why Hilo? It made more sense in Kona where it was planned. I can only wish it will happen sooner than later.

Thanks for the update Puna!!! 

I'm almost certain that this Hilo facility is a completely separate project and unrelated to the Kona "world class" facility. I ain't driving two hours for target practice. Hell, I can barely make myself drive the seven minutes to use the, uh, "unofficial" official range as it is.

There was supposedly money allocated for a range on Kona side.
I guess that is gone.
Most of us here know where to go to shoot.  I could care less about the cops.
they just spray and pray anyway, plus they have access to the National guard
range by the airport.
Seems like a waste of time as long as we are under the oppression
of Democrats.  We can just keep doing what we do, which is legal, until we can
get a  supreme court to shut down all this un-constitutional Hawaiian gun BS. 

I kinda quit following the Kona range story after the umpteenth postponement of final approval after multiple legal interventions by the resorts and other Kona residents. I think it's still "on", but likely lost somewhere in the bowels of the bureaucratic legal wrangling, delay, postponement, and lip service to "public service".

"...until we can get a  supreme court to shut down ALL this un-constitutional Hawaiian gun BS"? I rather doubt there is anyone old enough to read this forum thread that will live long enough to see that day. I do hold out a very slim sliver of a hope (and change!) for citizens of Hawaii... but that near miracle might require something like a state bankruptcy or other financial collapse. In the meantime, all I can do is pester the idiots in charge and hope that one of them will at least once be honest.

I just ride my ATV into the back of my property and shoot.  Lots of places like that available on the Big Island.  I personally would not go to a public range but do hope one or more does get built for those who need or like to shoot at a range and having one will benefit the shooting community.

Great turnout! The video is just a 13 minute excerpt from the public comments part of the meeting. Now let's see if the public-backed commission can carry weight with the county against the enviros who will certainly appear in opposition to the range. I spoke to commission chair Tom Lodge for about 20 minutes on the phone earlier in the day and he seemed dedicated to doing what he could to move the project ahead in the bureaucratic process, while acknowledging the obstacles. He hopes to have a formal presentation ready for the county before his term expires in June.

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2017/01/18/video-shooting-range-talk-packs-hilo-gmac-meeting/

Shooting Range Talk Packs Hilo GMAC Meeting

HILO, Hawaii – A need for a public shooting range on the Big Island drew a standing-room only crowd to a Tuesday evening meeting in Hilo.

The Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission assembled local hunters, rifleman, military officials and law-enforcement to discuss a plan to pursue a range at the county level. The public filled the council chamber to capacity.

“I think the need – just by those who are here – is well established,” said GMAC chair Tom Lodge. “It’s a conversation that’s long overdue.”

Good for you folks!

Thanks PunaPerson for keeping us updated. Gosh, it would be great if I had some place to go shoot when I retire. 

Thanks PunaPerson for keeping us updated. Gosh, it would be great if I had some place to go shoot when I retire. 

Hey Dave. Too bad the Kona range project seems to be either stuck in limbo or a no go. I guess that's what happens when you "live by the hotels, die by the hotels". I'm guessing they swing a big... probably infuse substantial amounts of cash into the pockets of certain people. I'm curious to see what happens with a Hilo-side range (or Pohakuloa). If it were just us ordinary citizen firearms enthusiasts it'd be dead in the water, except for some possible lip service from maybe one councilperson, but with the cops saying "we need this"... well, the powers that be will go to all ends to aid the cops. Too bad the wheels of government turn so slowly...like the one guy at the meeting said "I'm 73 and I'd like to use this range before I'm gone...". 

Hey Dave. Too bad the Kona range project seems to be either stuck in limbo or a no go. I guess that's what happens when you "live by the hotels, die by the hotels". I'm guessing they swing a big... probably infuse substantial amounts of cash into the pockets of certain people. I'm curious to see what happens with a Hilo-side range (or Pohakuloa). If it were just us ordinary citizen firearms enthusiasts it'd be dead in the water, except for some possible lip service from maybe one councilperson, but with the cops saying "we need this"... well, the powers that be will go to all ends to aid the cops. Too bad the wheels of government turn so slowly...like the one guy at the meeting said "I'm 73 and I'd like to use this range before I'm gone...". 

Thanks again! If it doesn't happen, and I won't hold out for it, I am going to have to find out where the locals go to practice. I think there is one place near my house.....

Great new for a range.   Don't let them(hotel $$$)  turn BI into an Oahu! 

I'll be moving to the Big Island in the spring.  Hopefully I can get involved in these activities.

Was there any discussion of getting grants from the NRA or using funds from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife restoration act  which allows funds for developing shooting ranges?

https://rangeservices.nra.org/funding-grants/

Hey howzit!  I already moved here but found out about this too late.  So so busy with stuff but catching up now, just sent the mass emails about the SB9 and the HB I forget the number already.  Signed up for the BI Hunters group on FB too which is where I still spend an inordinate amount of time.  Hope to follow the firearms stuff more closely now.  Hope to go plinking again soon I brought some spinning targets with me    Just heard the Hilo range is kaput now.  That sucks!  I like the outdoors better anyways.  hmmm.  LOL
TTYL 2aHI !!!    Long tie no talkie 
Gung Hay Fat Choy

Any update regarding this? Any traction at all?

Any update regarding this? Any traction at all?

Well, as a matter of fact... two days ago email from the Glenwood Range Association [I don't have a way to link to the .pdf of the actual resolution...and the Hawaii County website is the most user-UNfriendly website I've ever seen... almost as if they don't want people to see documents or agendas, etc. I could email you a copy and maybe you'd have a way to post it. Here's a link to a .doc version that might work: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/ElectronicFile.aspx?docid=936243&dbid=0):

GRA; Hawaii County Council Resolution Supporting a Public Shooting Facility

Howzit everyone,

Some of you may know Tom Lodge.  Tom has been actively involved with hunter education and firearm safety for a number of years and the current chairman of  the Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission.  He has been communicating with Big Island Councilman Tim Richards and his aid regarding a resolution supporting development of a public shooting facility.  Councilman Richards drafted the resolution and it appears that the resolution will either be brought up for discussion in committee on August 1st or possibly before the Hawaii County Council on August 2nd.

If this resolution should get on the County Council's agenda, a strong showing from the public could go a long way to demonstrating to the County Council how much the public supports development of a range and the popularity of shooting and shooting sports.

The resolution is attached to this message and we will announce updates to the resolution scheduling.

Thanks and please always use safe firearm handling practices

Update from Glenwood Range Association

Howzit everyone,

Regarding the Hawaii County resolution, the committee meeting will be held in the Hawaii County chambers on Tuesday, August 1st at 1 PM.  Your attendance could display to the committee the level of public support and interest for a public shooting venue in Hawaii County and influence the committee to push the resolution to a full County Council reading.

If you are available your attendance will be appreciated. and confirmation of range on agenda.

* * * * *
Additional Info, including option to submit written or video testimony (I believe this only applies to the Council meeting and not the committee meeting EDIT: Just spoke to my council person's office, Jen Ruggles who happens to be chair of the committee, and was told to send email to the same address as for general council meeting below, but include something re: "Support for shooting range" in the subject line. If it passes it will likely be heard at the council meeting on the 16th and there will be an opportunity for more testimony at that time):

1:00 p.m.- Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee

Res. 246-17: SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HAWAI‘I ISLAND SHOOTING RANGE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Provides Council support for the development of an adequate, safe, and ecologically responsible public shooting facility on Hawai‘i Island.
Reference: Comm. 371
Intr. by: Mr. Richards and Ms. Lee Loy

Our Pahoa office will be open and available for testimonies. Just as a reminder, each testifier is allowed 3 minutes per item on the agenda. For those who would like to submit testimonies via email, the (URL) address is counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov and for those who would like to do a  video testimony, please submit to videotestimony@hawaiicounty.gov  before 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting.

Thanks for this.

counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov

I will submit testimony. Is there requirements such as an address, phone number, etc.?

Update from Glenwood Range Association

Howzit everyone,

Regarding the Hawaii County resolution, the committee meeting will be held in the Hawaii County chambers on Tuesday, August 1st at 1 PM.  Your attendance could display to the committee the level of public support and interest for a public shooting venue in Hawaii County and influence the committee to push the resolution to a full County Council reading.

If you are available your attendance will be appreciated. and confirmation of range on agenda.

* * * * *
Additional Info, including option to submit written or video testimony (I believe this only applies to the Council meeting and not the committee meeting):

1:00 p.m.- Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee

Res. 246-17: SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HAWAI‘I ISLAND SHOOTING RANGE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
Provides Council support for the development of an adequate, safe, and ecologically responsible public shooting facility on Hawai‘i Island.
Reference: Comm. 371
Intr. by: Mr. Richards and Ms. Lee Loy

Our Pahoa office will be open and available for testimonies. Just as a reminder, each testifier is allowed 3 minutes per item on the agenda. For those who would like to submit testimonies via email, the (URL) address is counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov and for those who would like to do a  video testimony, please submit to videotestimony@hawaiicounty.gov  before 12:00 noon on the business day prior to the meeting.

posted to several FB groups
please spread the word even if you don't live on the big island

Thanks for this.

counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov

I will submit testimony. Is there requirements such as an address, phone number, etc.?

let's all submit testimony that we we visit the big island more often if the build a range