Pheasants Forever is set to make an impact in the state of Hawaii with the organization’s first chartered chapter on the Big Island. Officially titled as the Hawaii Chapter of Pheasants Forever, local volunteers will focus on habitat conservation and public access projects in their region to positively impact pheasants, quail, and other wildlife.
“Pheasants Forever is thrilled to have a motivated group of chapter volunteers established on the island of Hawaii,” stated Dan Connelly, regional representative for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Bringing our proven, local model for wildlife habitat conservation to the Big Island will provide support for habitat improvements that can help sustain pheasants, quail, and the renowned biodiversity that Hawaii is known for.”
The Hawaiian Islands are a famed tourist destination with sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, and the historical relevance of Pearl Harbor. For these reasons and more, a thriving pheasant population and diverse habitat seldom makes Hawaii a consideration for serious upland hunters. However, the Hawaiian Islands, with their breathtaking vistas, wide variety of habitats and large selection of wild gamebirds – more than 10 species roam the various landmasses – offer an incredibly unique upland hunting experience. The newly formed Hawaii Chapter of Pheasants Forever aims to conserve these defining qualities through habitat improvements and public access expansion efforts on the Big Island.
Pheasants Forever empowers local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally-raised conservation funds will be spent. This local control allows members to see the fruits of their chapter efforts in their own communities, while belonging to a national organization with a voice on federal conservation policy. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever and its local chapters have spent $634 million on 502,000 habitat projects benefiting 14.1 million acres nationwide. The newly established Hawaii Chapter of Pheasants Forever will promote the same model throughout the island in hopes of having a positive impact on wildlife habitat conservation efforts.
Hawaii Chapter of Pheasants Forever
- The Hawaii Chapter of Pheasants Forever has elected Jon Sabati of Captain Cook as president, Robert Newman of Kailua Kona as treasurer, Willie Joe Camara of Honokaa as habitat chair, and Alan Nakagawa of Kamuela as youth chair.
- The chapter is planning to host its inaugural membership banquet on October 22, 2016, at a time and location to be determined in the coming weeks.
- Hunters and conservationists interested in joining the chapter as volunteers are encouraged to contact chapter president, Jon Sabati, at (808) 896-0972 / email for more information.
About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division,
Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 149,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent; the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.
Photo Credit: National Park Service, Bryan Harry
Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4972
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org