Koko Head rifle range temporarily closed after new reports of stray bullets

News release from Office of the Mayor December 6, 2013

East Oahu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced that the rifle range within the Koko Head Shooting Complex will be temporarily closed effective tomorrow following two new reports today of stray bullets.

“I am a strong supporter of the Koko Head Shooting Complex because it is one of the only safe and legal places for responsible members of Oahu’s shooting and hunting community to practice safe shooting,” said Mayor Caldwell.  “We made the difficult decision to temporarily close the rifle range in an abundance of caution for the safety of those in the surrounding community, but I am committed to installing emergency mitigation measures in order to reopen the range as soon as possible.”

Mayor Caldwell discussed some of the options to reopen the range.

“We want to repair the rifle range berm directly behind the targets, which has been eroded over the years, so it will better absorb bullets.  I would also like to construct a visual overhang that would remind shooters to aim their rifles properly.”

The closure only applies to the rifle range.  The complex will remain open during normal hours and the pistol, silhouette, archery, action, skeet, and trap ranges remain open.

No injuries have been reported, only property damage.  This is a precautionary measure.

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