1857: The Origins of the Hawaii Rifle Association

Before acting or reacting to information, find out the facts and verify the information. Verify dates and times for events. Verify club meetings, shooting locations, storage of firearms, club policies and procedures and historical facts and information relating to firearms and the Association.

This is not to say that good practice does not exist in the islands of Hawaii and that therefore shooting sports should not be conducted here. Rather good information is needed to ensure safe and useful service to the shooting sports community and much of that information would be useful in other places as well.

Use history as evidence

If one reads through a history of a shooting sport then one learns more than just the founding of a club or association. One learns about the shooting sport within the framework of the community’s civic life where the club or association was founded. Thus a history of a local shooting sport’s association is written by current members of that organization.

Read the gaps carefully

Heed warnings regarding missing information about historical activities of the various shooting sports. There are often very important pieces of information missing from historical accounts. Names of individuals may have been misspelled in old accounts. Most historical newspapers were written from a singular point of view. Thus it is best to verify as many sources as possible to ascertain the accuracy of information regarding past activities of a shooting sports organization. If in doubt it is best to state that you don’t know and not spread unverified information regarding historical activities.

Carry the lesson forward

Knowledge of the past and what has transpired in previous years and decades helps one to understand and appreciate what is currently happening within an organization and how it relates to all of the preceding years. What should one preserve? What should one change? How will future club members interpret the historical events of their Association?

A short checklist for members

• Verify date, location and source of information prior to distribution.
• For unclear details ask one very specific question!
• Local rules have to be followed at all times.
• Record what you learned so the next member does not have to start over.
• Follow up with the club, committee, or association contact when an action is requested.

Closing note

This is all fairly quiet work. Give members good information about what the Association is trying to do through the educational work of the Association. Provide members with good information regarding past activities of the Association. Supply new members with an introduction to the type of club that the organization is. Finally, supply people with information regarding the activities of the organization on an ongoing basis and answer telephone calls from time to time and tell the caller as much as possible regarding the past activities of the organization and try to keep the work of the organization within the goals and objectives of the organization.

What this article adds

The historical article “1857: The Origins of the Hawaii Rifle Association” follows the shooting sports association back to its origins in 1857 when organized marksmanship clubs became civic activities in the Kingdom of Hawaii to learn about safe, enjoyable shooting sports throughout the islands and how to research historical information about a local club. This article should be read in conjunction with local club information and current notices.

Most shooting associations have some type of history behind them. They were organized by a group of individuals with an interest in marksmanship usually long before the shooting sports became popular activities. The Hawaii Rifle Association, one of the oldest continuously organized shooting associations in the country today, was formed in 1857 by a group of residents of the Kingdom of Hawaii who wanted to practice some of the civic skills of their ancestors. Today the Association still strives to teach safe handling of firearms, proper shot-making, safety and responsible firearm ownership. The historical committee of the Association is currently in the process of cataloging all past records and photographs of the organization. Past club activities, including family activities, would be very welcome.