Howdy gang,

I'm new here, this is my first post, thanks for having me.

I've been inquiring and researching for regulations (zoning, permitting, rounds allowed per minute/hr... etc) for target practice on private AG lot on BI, but am getting nowhere. Nobody seems to know it 100%. These AG lots are on the East side, 125ft wide by 1040ft long. I understand about reckless endangering, berms/baffles to prevent noise, and some of the basic safety guidelines. I'd like to practice on my property, and when the neighbors call the cops and they end up on my gate, I want to be sure of my rights and speak from knowledge and confidence. I can't afford to have a misdemeanor on my record either as I'm still an income generator. Also, I have constant wild pigs that I need to manage, so I need to practice, no other way around. And since there are no public target places on this side, how can we acquire safe gun handling if we do not have outlets for practice?

FYIs that may help:
- my closest neighbor is about 500ft away from my target, and I have made sure that the lot behind me is inhabited, so no neighbors on the direction of ammo for at least 1,300ft
- i'd be wanting to shoot .345 riffle, .22 rifle (mostly) and occasional pistol

Lastly, if anyone has leads on private target areas on the East side, please share, you can shoot me an email via the forum.

Thanks! 

I read that the individual counties/islands regulate use of private property.  Check the local ordinances for your city and county.

Here are some earlier discussions on the matter of public ranges on Hawaii Island and what's allowed on private property.

There are also posts on here showing the NRA specs for building a shooting range, but that's outside whatever the local ordinances and laws might allow. 

The biggest problem as discussed here is noise complaints.  If neighbors complain, whether or not your gunfire rises to the level of noise nuisance, a Cop might not want to listen to your explanation of why the noise doesn't violate any ordinances.  Think dog barking.  If it goes on incessantly for 5 minutes, it's a nuisance.  If it starts and stops with a few minutes between noises that only last a few minutes, it's not against the ordinance.  That doesn't mean the Cop isn't going to issue a summons.  You'll need to show evidence you aren't breaking the ordinances.  Best way to do that is install surveillance cameras at your shooting spot or put a video camera in place while shooting, capturing the shooting AND pauses.

No matter what, have your lawyer on speed dial, and give his card to responding officers to any noise complaints.  The Cops may not want to judge whether or not your evidence proves you were within the permitted noise durations.  They may just cite you and let you defend yourself in front of a ... well ... judge.  Having a lawyer already familiar with your shooting situation would expedite clearing up any misunderstandings.

Maybe you should talk to your neighbors.  If they have times they'd be more inclined to tolerate noise, and other times when they need quiet, maybe accommodating them would prevent a 911 call?  Never hurts to ask.

https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2017/08/18/hawaii-news/county-council-approves-gun-ranges-for-the-big-island/

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

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=26209.msg230756#msg230756

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=1864.msg15101;topicseen#msg15101

Howdy gang,

I'm new here, this is my first post, thanks for having me.

I've been inquiring and researching for regulations (zoning, permitting, rounds allowed per minute/hr... etc) for target practice on private AG lot on BI, but am getting nowhere. Nobody seems to know it 100%. These AG lots are on the East side, 125ft wide by 1040ft long. I understand about reckless endangering, berms/baffles to prevent noise, and some of the basic safety guidelines. I'd like to practice on my property, and when the neighbors call the cops and they end up on my gate, I want to be sure of my rights and speak from knowledge and confidence. I can't afford to have a misdemeanor on my record either as I'm still an income generator. Also, I have constant wild pigs that I need to manage, so I need to practice, no other way around. And since there are no public target places on this side, how can we acquire safe gun handling if we do not have outlets for practice?

FYIs that may help:
- my closest neighbor is about 500ft away from my target, and I have made sure that the lot behind me is inhabited, so no neighbors on the direction of ammo for at least 1,300ft
- i'd be wanting to shoot .345 riffle, .22 rifle (mostly) and occasional pistol

Lastly, if anyone has leads on private target areas on the East side, please share, you can shoot me an email via the forum.

Thanks! 

Puna?

I suppose you guys expected me to chime in.
I'm East side BI.
Very simply it all has to do with your neighbors.
Have a talk with them, and invite them to leave
if they have a problem.
Because they are the only ones that do.
Across a gulch from me I have heard
automatic weapons fire.
Very illegal in Hawaii.
Why would I call the cops?
Hawaii gun laws suck and I'd never turn
anyone over to the cops
for someone just "Plinking".

BI, know your neighbors.
don't fuck with them
and that is pretty much it.
Never call the cops.

Aloha
 

I suppose you guys expected me to chime in.
I'm East side BI.
Very simply it all has to do with your neighbors.
Have a talk with them, and invite them to leave
if they have a problem.
Because they are the only ones that do.
Across a gulch from me I have heard
automatic weapons fire.
Very illegal in Hawaii.
Why would I call the cops?
Hawaii gun laws suck and I'd never turn
anyone over to the cops
for someone just "Plinking".

BI, know your neighbors.
don't fuck with them
and that is pretty much it.
Never call the cops.

Aloha
 

The world needs more gun friendly people like that in this world

I suppose you guys expected me to chime in.
I'm East side BI.
Very simply it all has to do with your neighbors.
Have a talk with them, and invite them to leave
if they have a problem.
Because they are the only ones that do.
Across a gulch from me I have heard
automatic weapons fire.
Very illegal in Hawaii.
Why would I call the cops?
Hawaii gun laws suck and I'd never turn
anyone over to the cops
for someone just "Plinking".

BI, know your neighbors.
don't fuck with them
and that is pretty much it.
Never call the cops.

Aloha
 

Fireworks are illegal.
Guns are legal.
Both make loud noises.

Just an observation.

Fireworks are illegal.
Guns are legal.
Both make loud noises.

Just an observation.

Just for you,
We don't do a lot of fireworks.
It scares the shit out of very strong animals
that go through fences like a hot knife through butter.
We can get them back in, but
it is a pain to do do.
and then we have to fix fences.
 

Just for you,
We don't do a lot of fireworks.
It scares the shit out of very strong animals
that go through fences like a hot knife through butter.
We can get them back in, but
it is a pain to do do.
and then we have to fix fences.
 

I abstain from burning up my income in the form of fireworks.

There are people around my neighborhood who routinely set off those window-rattling explosions.  I really wish I could catch them in the act.  Cops can't/won't do anything without an eye witness who can identify the individual.

And, yes, the noise freaks out my pets.  Not to mention, I really don't like the noise, either.  More than inconsiderate.  More like cruel and sadistic.

I'm amazed people have that much disposable income in this high cost of living "paradise."

Puna?

YES

I suppose you guys expected me to chime in.
I'm East side BI.
Very simply it all has to do with your neighbors.
Have a talk with them, and invite them to leave
if they have a problem.
Because they are the only ones that do.
Across a gulch from me I have heard
automatic weapons fire.
Very illegal in Hawaii.
Why would I call the cops?
Hawaii gun laws suck and I'd never turn
anyone over to the cops
for someone just "Plinking".

BI, know your neighbors.
don't fuck with them
and that is pretty much it.
Never call the cops.

Aloha
 

I'm all about alerting my closest neighbors, I think it's basic courtesy. Sound carries super far out here so it's impossible to alert everyone. Most closer neighbors are gun-friendly and shoot occasionally, either for pig management or just because. And no one sends out alerts. The problem always is the one or two who are super sensitive and no matter how nice we go about and communicate in advance, they are always in disapproval. It only takes that one neighbor to ruin it. And giving courtesy alert to the types only gives them the opportunity to call the cops in advance for them to show up in the act. It's a toughy  .

I abstain from burning up my income in the form of fireworks.

There are people around my neighborhood who routinely set off those window-rattling explosions.  I really wish I could catch them in the act.  Cops can't/won't do anything without an eye witness who can identify the individual.

And, yes, the noise freaks out my pets.  Not to mention, I really don't like the noise, either.  More than inconsiderate.  More like cruel and sadistic.

I'm amazed people have that much disposable income in this high cost of living "paradise."

I hear you. Same happens in my hood, from time to time the explosives go off when it's not even a holiday to justify. Cops can do nothing in these cases, not that I ever called but have heard the reports.

Fireworks are illegal.
Guns are legal.
Both make loud noises.

Just an observation.

Right?? Great observation, thanks

I read that the individual counties/islands regulate use of private property.  Check the local ordinances for your city and county.

Here are some earlier discussions on the matter of public ranges on Hawaii Island and what's allowed on private property.

There are also posts on here showing the NRA specs for building a shooting range, but that's outside whatever the local ordinances and laws might allow. 

The biggest problem as discussed here is noise complaints.  If neighbors complain, whether or not your gunfire rises to the level of noise nuisance, a Cop might not want to listen to your explanation of why the noise doesn't violate any ordinances.  Think dog barking.  If it goes on incessantly for 5 minutes, it's a nuisance.  If it starts and stops with a few minutes between noises that only last a few minutes, it's not against the ordinance.  That doesn't mean the Cop isn't going to issue a summons.  You'll need to show evidence you aren't breaking the ordinances.  Best way to do that is install surveillance cameras at your shooting spot or put a video camera in place while shooting, capturing the shooting AND pauses.

No matter what, have your lawyer on speed dial, and give his card to responding officers to any noise complaints.  The Cops may not want to judge whether or not your evidence proves you were within the permitted noise durations.  They may just cite you and let you defend yourself in front of a ... well ... judge.  Having a lawyer already familiar with your shooting situation would expedite clearing up any misunderstandings.

Maybe you should talk to your neighbors.  If they have times they'd be more inclined to tolerate noise, and other times when they need quiet, maybe accommodating them would prevent a 911 call?  Never hurts to ask.

https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2017/08/18/hawaii-news/county-council-approves-gun-ranges-for-the-big-island/

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

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=26209.msg230756#msg230756

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=1864.msg15101;topicseen#msg15101

Excellent reply, thank you @Flapp_Jackson!
I will check the ordinances and go from there. You provided two very valuable takeaways: 1) having a lawyer on speed dial and a biz card to hand out, and 2) video evidence of following ordinances. Like I answered on another post, most neighbors seem ok and also shoot occasionally, often just a few rounds so they don't bother to communicate about it. Also it's frequently pig-related, so impossible to alert everyone or you chance losing the target. In my case I'm looking to ALSO practice so it will be longer rounds. I'm ok with working with the neighbors but the problem in asking for ideal times is that each one will have their own and may be impossible to find a slot that works for everyone, it may just open up a can of worms. Then there are the one or two who are super touchy and never in agreement. I'm thinking the best course it to state the time I'm planning to shoot and send out a quick group message to closest ones. I'll have to figure what the sweet spot is.

I'll go now read the articles you linked here, thank you again!

Aloha

Excellent reply, thank you @Flapp_Jackson!
I will check the ordinances and go from there. You provided two very valuable takeaways: 1) having a lawyer on speed dial and a biz card to hand out, and 2) video evidence of following ordinances. Like I answered on another post, most neighbors seem ok and also shoot occasionally, often just a few rounds so they don't bother to communicate about it. Also it's frequently pig-related, so impossible to alert everyone or you chance losing the target. In my case I'm looking to ALSO practice so it will be longer rounds. I'm ok with working with the neighbors but the problem in asking for ideal times is that each one will have their own and may be impossible to find a slot that works for everyone, it may just open up a can of worms. Then there are the one or two who are super touchy and never in agreement. I'm thinking the best course it to state the time I'm planning to shoot and send out a quick group message to closest ones. I'll have to figure what the sweet spot is.

I'll go now read the articles you linked here, thank you again!

Aloha

I'm glad you found some value in my post.

Rather than imagine what problems will prevent neighbors from agreeing to a time for you to shoot, I was thinking of asking about times they don't want the noise. 

One issue that may come up might be someone with a child who naps in the afternoon.  Another might be someone who works nights and sleeps in the morning.

Just asking is enough to give them notice of who's making the noise so they don't wonder what's going on.  Then, if they prefer the noise occur at a different time, they know who to talk to.
 Knowledge reduces stress -- usually.

I'm not suggesting that you let the neighbors dictate your shooting schedule.  More like, if you have a choice when you practice, choose a time that irritates the fewest possible people within earshot.  The only way to know when that is would be to ask.

It's easier to invite the neighbors to a party than it is to deal with the Cops at 1AM because the neighbors didn't appreciate the noise.  Hopefully they would feel comfortable enough to ask you to tone it down rather than call the Cops.  Heck, the neighbors might decide to have a beer since they're up anyway!   

Good luck. 

It might be a little far, but the Morita Camp Shooting Range 16 Mile Marker is located on Saddle Road

There's ways to mitigate just about any problem, just depends how much you want to spend.

You can mitigate noise issues, depending on the landscape, by building tall dirt berms or hescos to absorb and redirect sound.  Though things like nearby trees and hills would reflect sound back.  And be nice to the neighbors.

Usually biggest problems are surface danger zones, neighbors sound issues, and lead runoff in streams.

SNIP

FYIs that may help:
- my closest neighbor is about 500ft away from my target, and I have made sure that the lot behind me is inhabited, so no neighbors on the direction of ammo for at least 1,300ft
- i'd be wanting to shoot .345 riffle, .22 rifle (mostly) and occasional pistol

Lastly, if anyone has leads on private target areas on the East side, please share, you can shoot me an email via the forum.

Thanks! 

It's been a LONG time since I was in the range planner/designer role.  1,300 ft isn't a lot without mitigation/barriers.  Even for .22 lr.  Dunno what particular rifle calibers you were envisioning, but you're talking potentially mile(s).  I've had projects to design baffles (side and ceiling), backstops, bullet catches, etc.  Those stuff aren't cheap.  That said, depends on your site's topography.  If you need to dig/excavate an area, to form say a berm, be very careful on the site drainage.  I've seen some epic failures on that aspect. 

I dunno what .345 is, but a 22lr and 9mm pistol range is easier to accommodate than rifles.   Main thing is the downrange area is cleared for the maximum range of whatever your firing and you have an adequate backstop.  There's things that can mitigate the range issues like overhead baffles or shooting rifles through a  culvert pipe etc.

NRA has a range guide for purchase.

I'm glad you found some value in my post.

Rather than imagine what problems will prevent neighbors from agreeing to a time for you to shoot, I was thinking of asking about times they don't want the noise. 

One issue that may come up might be someone with a child who naps in the afternoon.  Another might be someone who works nights and sleeps in the morning.

Just asking is enough to give them notice of who's making the noise so they don't wonder what's going on.  Then, if they prefer the noise occur at a different time, they know who to talk to.
 Knowledge reduces stress -- usually.

I'm not suggesting that you let the neighbors dictate your shooting schedule.  More like, if you have a choice when you practice, choose a time that irritates the fewest possible people within earshot.  The only way to know when that is would be to ask.

It's easier to invite the neighbors to a party than it is to deal with the Cops at 1AM because the neighbors didn't appreciate the noise.  Hopefully they would feel comfortable enough to ask you to tone it down rather than call the Cops.  Heck, the neighbors might decide to have a beer since they're up anyway!   

Good luck. 

Gotcha! Yes, I've already reached out to the few who are most affected and asked. So far so good  .

"Heck, the neighbors might decide to have a beer since they're up anyway!"  Right?

It might be a little far, but the Morita Camp Shooting Range 16 Mile Marker is located on Saddle Road

Way far, no feasible. It would be a full day commitment and a lot of driving. We need more ranges spread out the East side, period.