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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HONOLULU — Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to participate in the 34th annual Hawai‘i Hunting and Fishing Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, at the Koko Head public shooting range in East O‘ahu. "We thank the sportsmen’s and outdoor organizations and other contributors for showing their aloha for Hawaii’s families by sponsoring this annual event to benefit the Hawaii Food Bank,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “This is a great opportunity for people to experience activities (with safety instruction) that include (for adults) shooting firearms, shotguns, handguns, archery and casting fishing lines,” Young said. “Safety practices are an important part of the public education that takes place this weekend,” he added. “Each adult participant receives a pair of earplugs when they register and a briefing on firearms safety by volunteer instructors from LIFE (Lessons In Firearms Education). Eye protection will be available at each activity station.” Since 1995, DLNR's Hunter Education Program and hunting and fishing clubs have donated many tons of food and thousands of dollars in contributions to the Hawai‘i Food Bank. Last year the Hunting and Fishing Day raised 2,485 pounds of food contributions for the Hawaii Food Bank. For every can of food or $1 donated, an activity coupon is provided. Participants who complete every "hands on" activity will receive a certificate of recognition. Activities for children include archery and flycasting.
“Hunters and anglers were among the first to recognize, nearly a century ago, that the privileges of hunting and fishing carry the additional responsibility of conserving our state’s natural and wildlife resources,” said Young. "We know that responsible fishers and hunters are important partners in protecting our resources. Hawai‘i Hunting and Fishing Day recognizes the continuing contributions of sportsmen and women in the conservation of our wildlife and aquatic resources," Young said. The Hunter Education Program offers free classes year-round to educate outdoorsmen and women about firearms and archery safety, survival and first aid, wildlife identification and conservation, rules and regulations, game care and outdoor responsibility. Completion of the hunter education class is a prerequisite to obtain a Hawai‘i hunting license. Koko Head shooting range is located off Kalaniana‘ole Highway; from Hawaii Kai going towards Waimanalo, take the first left driveway past Hanauma Bay. For more information about Hunting and Fishing Day, call the DLNR Hunter Education Program at 587-0200. # # #
For more information, media contact: Deborah Ward |
