Incoming grant upgrades equipment, opportunities for the Hilo High air riflery team

The Hilo High Vikings air riflery team is a recipient of a $15,000 grant for equipment from the National Rifle Association Foundation.

In a thank you letter to the National Rifle Association Foundation, Hilo High Principal Jasmine Okada acknowledged that the award will include: 12 air rifles, 12 spotting scopes, 12 scope stands, and 12 offhand stands.   

“(The award) not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of our training but also provides our team with the tools necessary to compete at a higher level,” Okada said in the letter. “The new equipment will allow our students to develop their skills more precisely and confidently while fostering discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.”  

The Hilo High Vikings claimed both the boys and girls Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) team titles in 2024-2025 with a total of eleven Hilo High air riflery team members qualified for the state high school championships.

Hilo High was also home to individual state champions for girls in 2019 and for boys in 2022.  

“In sports, a free pair of shoes or a new ball isn’t just equipment, it is an opportunity. It’s the chance to play, to grow, to dream bigger,” said Air Riflery Coach Lydia Mukai. “When barriers fall, potential rises”.

“Each school year there are students who make the team but withdraw due to the expense of the necessary equipment,” added Assistant Coach Rayner Galdones. “We hope to see an increase in team members because of this award.” 

Over the years, parents and guardians of team members have participated in fundraising efforts for the team such as staffing concessions at BIIF games, selling steak plates and Wonton Chips, and contributing out of pocket.

Air riflery at Hilo High School is open to all Hilo High students. For more information and to  learn about August tryouts, contact Mukai at 808-640-1586.