KK - Thanks.

The problem, at least in part, as far as I can see, is that folks don't really know what's going on. As Chris says, there is a lot of stufff that goes on behind the scenes and we do work together....we have to. But we really, really need to stop this internal bickering. There will always be a few interpersonal problems...were dealing with strong, opinionated people, that's bound to happen. But when we allow those personal issues to fractionate and divide our efforts, we all lose.

When people get disenfranchised, we lose our most valuable asset, their energy and talent. I've said this time and time again, we should be able to generate hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of testimony during the legislative session. Instead, we're elated to see 20....there is something definitely wrong with that.

Folks need to look at the bigger picture and put aside the little personal conflicts that can so hamper efforts to get things changed. I applaud your willingness to do so.

Aloha

I commend you and C for exposing more of the internal processes.  IMHO I've learned more in the past 5 minutes than the last 6 months.  I do think that getting the word out is extremely helpful and I do think I'm more informed than most.  If I'm not getting information, then I would guess that the greater majority is getting much less.  I recommend that you folks keep up with getting more info to the general masses and I'm glad to see that you're working together.

With regards to the NRA, I'm assuming the lack of effort goes further up?  Again the more we know the better we can be to help you put pressure of others...............an example if you aren't getting somewhere let us NRA members know and we can write.  The more internal this remains the less we can help.

I also hear you loud and clear about internal bickering.  Hawaii has a lot of cliques and the different factions, to me, seem to only look out for their best interests.

With all this being said, I really do think you need to evaluate trying different tactics.............I really cannot see HRA continuing the way it is and growing its membership.

I believe you are talking about Oahu, and myself specifically.  Our legal case has received some funding from HRA and LIFE (as far as shooting groups go).  More importantly, we receive lots of 'other' assistance (newsletters, handouts, speaking opportunities) all to HRA. There is plenty going on behind the scenes that many of you don't see -- but we work together -- we have to.   We have also received some funding one local gun shop, OGC  and Mojo (as seen by their sponsorship for our t-shirts).  We do not, and will probably never, receive assistance from the NRA -- they have done little for us, and nothing is expected to change on that front.  I would note that isn't just us, from what I can see, they don't even help HRA with much of anything either other than getting the word out to their e-mail bomb when a bill is coming up.

Without the support of HRA / LIFE and some local gun shops who assist me we wouldn't be where we are today. So big hat-tip from the directors and officers of HDF to Bill and Kerry specifically, HRA / LIFE,  Carter / Eugene from OGC, and Dave from Mojo.


-- Edit: I forgot about Young, you could count him - but is not "HDF".

Yup.  Glad to know there is backing.  As noted to HiCarry, this kind of information is good to know as it might help to encourage other clubs/groups/factions to join in.

Even though, I think a couple of HRA members are dicks, the organization does a lot for the Hawaii shooting community.
To not see that, YOU must be insane.

Yup.  Glad to know there is backing.  As noted to HiCarry, this kind of information is good to know as it might help to encourage other clubs/groups/factions to join in.

I can always use more help.  Most people don't understand that I am a one man show, trying to go to school, teach numerous gun classes, raise money for suing people, doing marketing work for the corporation, finances, paperwork.  It's very rare that I have good amounts of time off where I just relax.  Take a look at my August schedule for firearms classes, there are four classes and one range day - that means almost every weekend I am strapped doing something for about 10 hours.  I don't get paid to do this stuff (yet) the last two years this  has all been 'free'.  In the whole project I easily have 2500+ hours of work, with much - much more to come.


That said I am looking at ways to get some data rolling and e-mails flowing.
Marketing more gun classes (which we need more instructors for).
People to help with social media, posting fb posts, tweets etc.
Writing newsletters, articles, gun reviews etc.

I keep asking, but I very rarely have anyone come through with their offer.

^^^Man you need to talk to Carter about marketing.  He sure chums up the water nicely.  I can't tell you how many times I've bought a case of ammo gone home and went..............$H1t that's right I bought a case the last time I was there..................

^^^Man you need to talk to Carter about marketing.  He sure chums up the water nicely.  I can't tell you how many times I've bought a case of ammo gone home and went..............$H1t that's right I bought a case the last time I was there..................

Well, a big thing about guns is, you know you need more ammo .  You want it anyways, but were looking for an excuse to *not* buy it!

I keep asking, but I very rarely have anyone come through with their offer.

And here's your chance....HDF, like HRA, needs the financial support AND sweat equity of you gun owners out there. I can attest to the unbelievable amount of time Chris has put into HDF. I also know folks, like myself, that "donate" lots of time and effort to our organizations. It isn't really about the 20.00 for membership, it's about getting people to realize that as grassroots organizations, we NEED your ACTIVE participation. That means you helping Chris man his booth at the gun show, it means submitting testimony during the legislative session, and it means giving up a little of your free time to accomplish the goals WE ALL want to realize.

As Chris has indicated, he (as does HRA...) gets lots of "What can I do to help" offers, but only a very small percentage of them actually ever follow thru. Chris is one guy. HRA has about 25 people that are routinely involved in our activities, and even less that are there "all the time." So remember that when you say things like "Why doesn't HRA do xxx?" Or "Why doesn't HDF file a lawsuit because xxx." It's so incredibly easy to suggest "we" do something from the comfort of your keyboard. I know some of you will say "but I don't have any time to help out" or "I'm too busy." Well, if you went to the range last week, you got more personal shooting time in than I (and I'm guessing, Chris ) did. You saw what Chris' life is like...mine isn't much better. I routinely spend 20-30 hours a week on HRA and LIFE issues....when I get off work today, I will go home and start doing LIFE business....I cannot recall the last time I "just went shooting" or took the little woman out for a nice quiet and relaxing dinner. I'm not trying to come across as some kind of martyr, and I am sure Chris wouldn't want to be seen as trying to do so either. But, when I see all the talk about how much fun you had at the range, or during your other leisure time activities, and then hear how you don't have any time to assist with advocacy activities, it kinda grates on me.

All I am saying is that there are lots of folks that seem to think someone else is going to do the heavy lifting and it ain't so....and it's nothing new. It has been a problem for as many years as I have been involved in this, and unfortunately, I really don't see it changing any time soon. I would love to be proven wrong, but come this legislative session, I'm betting I won't be.......