HomeMy WebLinkAboutShooting Range Generator Shutdown Hoelflinger9/15/24
From:
Richard Hoeflinger
15-1041 Kiawe Street,
Keaau, Hawaii 96749
To: Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission.
Two months have now passed since the power generator was
stolen from the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Department-
managed Trap and Skeet Range, shutting down its operation. It is
the only public shooting range on Hawaii Island constructed to
established standards in which organized shooting competitions
can be held. There are other places on the Island where
unorganized, indiscriminate, and unsupervised shooting takes
place, most notably at two small and inadequately backstopped
parcels of public land off Saddle Road at the 16-mile road marker.
It has no power and does not meet the commonly accepted
definition of a shooting range, but rather is a DLNR-designated
‘place to shoot.’
Background: The Trap and Skeet Range requires power to
operate the machines that launch the clay targets which
designated ‘squads’ of shooters attempt to break in flight. In my
30 or so years of shooting at the range, a number of generators
have failed in operation, and several others have been stolen.
Some time ago, when power lines were extended to the newly
established bus service facility nearby, I inquired if Parks and
Recreation would be interested in supporting an NRA funding
request to extend power lines to the Range. There was no interest
indicated.
The stolen generator was part of a facility upgrade a few years
ago. Parks and Recreation obtained a portable generator
mounted on large steerable wheels and containing a tow bar. With
no known consultation to anyone that shoots Skeet, the generator
was placed in a covered chain-link fence enclosure located in
close proximity to Sheet Shooting Stations 1, 2, and 3. Two
problems became apparent: The generator’s loud operating noise
interfered with normal conversation near the subject shooting
stations, creating a safety issue. And the large portable wheeled
generator visibly on display in its wire enclosure provided an
enticement to theft. Why, for heaven’s sake, weren’t the wheels
and tow bar removed?
Inquiries as to status of the Range have elicited the response,
“We’ll let you know when it is open.” Once again, no public input.
What a way to run a railroad.
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