Any known plans to start a range on the Big I ??  I would be willing to help get one going if there is any possibility of having one here.. I have no idea where to start as I've never lived where we didn't have them !!! 

I have heard of a club that runs a private range on the Hilo side, but have never been there. Some info on that club, and some others are here.
http://www.rangelistings.com/state.php?state=HI

Seen this for a while, but not sure of what is going on with it.
http://www.hipsr.org/who.html
http://www.hipsr.org/

I have heard rumors of a 1k public range. Just hearsay tho.
Hope this can get you started. 

Thank you Sir !! 

Not a problem. 

I am just curious. With all the open land out there what is the PD's view on going out into the mountains to target practice?  I know most of the Island is probably privately owned though.

As soon as I get back home from work this month, I'm going to visit the PD to inquire about that.. I have been told by neighbors it's tough to shoot anywhere because it's mostly private land, and you have to know somebody.. I will report back to the board what I find out from them..

                                                     

There was a public range approved for the BI about 2 years ago now.  However, due to "clerical error," the budget for the package didn't get attached.  And in subsequent years, the money hasn't appeared. 

Yeah, heavies posted some links and I sent them some messages, but it looks like there has been no updates for awhile. I haven't received a response yet either, so it doesn't look good..  That's too bad, it had a lot of support from what I saw..

There are three ranges on the Big Island that I frequent. The Big Island Gun Club in Glenwood, Mt. View [Outdoor Pistol (75 yds.), Outdoor Rifle (100, 200 yds.)], The Hilo Trap and Skeet Range in Hilo next to the transfer station, and the Paauilo Range in Paauilo next to its transfer station.

The Big Island Gun Clubs range you need to be a member of the BIGC but its worth it. They import  ammo and sell it at cost to its members.

The Hilo Trap and Skeet range is exclusive to shot guns but is ran by the county so it is incredibly clean, park scenery, public bathroom, gazebos, an attendant on duty, and waivers to sign it has three trap bunkers and two skeet houses its free to shoot you simply must provide your own gun, ammo, and clays.

The Paauilo Range is unofficial but has been accepted by the community as a gun range. The land is privately owned by Liliuokalani Estates, They are aware what the land is being used for but as they have no purpose for the property considering its proximity to the transfer station they have no complaints that it is being used. There is a small table, sofa, and bench other then that I suggest bringing your own outdoor chairs. It is largely unsupervised and rarely will you see anyone else shooting unless its a weekend or holiday but please pick up your ammo. We try to keep the range as clean as possible but due to lack of supervision people have a tendency to shoot and ditch. The county was doing repairs on a bridge adjacent to the range and as a courtesy used one of its bulldozers to clean the range completely. We're trying to keep it nice.

Great info Moki. Thanks for that!

WOW !!! Great info Moki, Mahalo !!   


                     

Howzit Moku.

Can you give me directions to the Pauuilo range? Is there anything else we should know about access, etc.?

I'd be amiss if I didn't suggest great caution shooting anywhere on the mountains especially within any of the Volcano federal property, even during a hunting season/session. I've not gone for a couple years, but back in 05-06, friends and I went up Mauna Kea via Kaumana about 4 -5 times. I don't remember where, just a few of those trail/roads about 15-20 miles or so up the road (still in the winding/twisting area), and another time up the access roads a little below the 9000 foot welcome center. Nearly every time we were approached and I think we were left alone because someone in our group had a good, solid relationship with the officer.

We should also mention the unofficial, very unofficial spot down in Manuka, about the 87 mile marker. I think it's federal property, but I forget who can/might show up as law enforcement. It's right off the highway, and I've shot on both the makai and mauka areas. It's off road, about a couple hundred yards; a 4x4 is best due to the unimproved access roads. A car will make it, just be smart. There is nothing there, so bring everything you'll need. As it's NOT supervised, take great caution as motorcycles, off roaders and ATV are out n about. Please bring extra trash bags and malama aina, there are irresponsible a$$hole$ and sometimes it's a mess. The good part, safety wise, if there are several areas with huge natural berms as backdrops. I've shot there about 4 - 5 times per year and have never seem any patrol of any sort. Maybe I was lucky...

Moki...bust out the directions, brudda!

Aloha,

Semper Fi, Frank
Sgt C USMC

Good info. Sgt. C !!   Mahalo


           

Howzit Moku.

Can you give me directions to the Pauuilo range? Is there anything else we should know about access, etc.?

Enter Paauilo via the road right after (or before depending from which side of the island you're coming from) the post office and follow the road until you reach the transfer station. The range is above the transfer station just off the road. It is blocked off by large rocks with just enough space for you to park. It is literally right off to the side of the road. You will see cars pass by as you shoot. As long as you keep it within reason you should be fine. There really isn't any guidelines for that range more just common sense and courtesy. I don't shoot in the mornings or evenings as a courtesy to the within ear shoot residents (I usually shoot 3p-5p). We were asked to leave once by police; they received a noise complaint but it was after a seven hour session on our part so it was understandable, we complied without question. Generally; you will not be bothered.





Google Maps is a creepy thing; I was able to get a  ground view of the range.

Man, that is a nice place!  What is the distance and what kind of backstop?