I must also add that my wife and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in Hilo, Feb. 2010 even though our date is May 27.

Thanks for looking....

Reg. Todd, East Sooke, BC

ALOHA,

Here are a few questions and answered ones that I received... Anyway, a few questions:

1. I'm not in PITA. Only ATA. Would I need to join PITA? The website said something about cross registered. How would that work for me?

2. How nice is the Hilo Hawaiian hotel? Reviews on the internet call it a little outdated, plus complaints they charge for internet. Are there other hotels? http://www.expedia.ca/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/nojs=1/htid=7436/crti=7/hotel-reviews here is a rundown of reviews for the Hilo Hawaiian.

3. Is there enough sightseeing and activities on the big island to keep us busy for a week? Beaches? I'd really probably only be able to get away for one day of shooting and still keep my marriage intact. She's not a trap shooter.

4. Enlighten me as to the procedure for getting my gun over to Hawai'i and the bit about "Z Sports will store and deliver your shotgun daily to and from the range." I assume this is some special Hawaiian law that you have to work within. Just looking for how this works.

5. I assume the rule that "...you must purchase the ammo at the club…" is also some special Hawaiian law one must work within. How does this work. Can they get any brand, or is it limited. How are the ammo prices? Is there a minimum order price?

Answer...No you don't have to buy their ammo if you have other souces as long as the shells conform with P.I.T.A. rules. BUT..buying from the club has proved to be the easiest.

6. I don't have any Hawaiian shooting shirts. Do you think they'd still let me shoot?

Question #1, Yes you will have to join the P.I.T.A. at $10.00 (being a 1st time joiner) and if you want your targets cross registered with the ATA (not compulsory) then that costs more.

#2, the Nanaloa hotel is right beside the Hilo Hawaiian but is a little older but they have done a reno since I stayed there 4 years ago. there are a few other but realize that it is the Presidents Day weekend and hotels are at a premium.

#3, the shoot is 5 days long but with a 14 day vacation there are lots to see.

#4, & 5 are answered below.

#6, you have made the same mistake that everyone else makes when talking about Hawaiian shirts as they are tourists shirts sold by Hawaiian's...lol cause the Hawaiian's dress the same as us unless you are talking traditional in which case...how are you at wearing a dress (as we call it) Ladies Grass...Men..Lava-Lava or Lapa, which I wore this year and won best dressed Hawaiian Attire.

http://www.shootpita.com/clubs/bitc/index.htm this site has all the forms for 2009 and has yet to be updated for 2010 but will be at some later date.

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cam3/ webcam at Hale Mau' Mau' in Kilauea caldera.

http://www.bigislandvacationrentals.com/ this and following title are vacation rentals....

http://www.hpvacationrentals.com/MakaiHale.html

http://www.CastleResorts.com don't know if clicking on this title will work but it's for the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Here are a couple of sites to look over and as far as entertainment goes...I have been there 4 times and have yet to see it all... Our group rents a house for the 14 days ,(this is the best way to go) and we fly into Kona and rent a car at the airport and drive to Pahoa, where the house is and then to the trap club that is 35 minutes away. This is the best way to go if you can put a group together to split the cost.

My wife doesn't shoot either but shops a lot.

It is "not" the law that Garrett Zane has to transport your guns but is offered at a cost of $25.00 so you don't have to lug them back to your lodging each day. It is "not" the law that you must buy your ammo from the club but has been the easiest and they are available through a local supermarket called J Hara. the club has brought in Remington's, Federal, Dianna, and Winchester but has been different shells from year to year at a cost of $70.00 - $80.00 US per flat. You will require 4 flats to do the entire shoot with 100 rounds left for practice and shoot-offs.

It "is the law" to "register" your guns at the "police station" within 3 days of landing in Hawaii and this covers you if you have an accident or get pulled over and they find guns in the car. It's always best to cover all bases.

Like I said this will be my 5th time at the State shoot and would love to see 20 more "new shooters" from the mainland and our regular 55 other shooters to make up 75 registered shooter's so pass on to all your shooting buddies.

One thing I have to add because I think I'm funny is when you walk through the Thurston Lava Tube you and your Mrs. will say...YOUR NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE TOTO.

Hope this helps and feel free to contact me anytime.

ALOHA & MAHALO

Reginald T. Todd Sr. (also known as) PAPPA 250 642-3525