July 18, 1870: A Law for Carrying “Fowling Pieces” (and other firearms)

The following law was passed on July 18, 1870 for the protection of kolea (and other helpful birds). The indiscriminate use of firearms had resulted in over-hunting. In turn, this was harmful to Hawaiʻi’s agricultural and pastoral industries because these birds consumed pests.  Because the previous 1859 law was largely ineffective, this law specified that a license was necessary to use and carry firearms for sporting purposes. The cost of that license was $5.00.

Available in Session Laws, Kanawai o ka Moi, 1870.

MOKUNA XX.
HE KANAWAI

E ae ai i na palapala ae no ka lawe ana i na pu kimanu,
a me na pu e ae.

NO KA MEA, o ke kanawai no ka hoomalu ana i na kolea a me na manu hoopomaikai e ae i aponoia i ka la 20 o Aperila, M.H. 1859, ua ike ia aole i loaa mai na pono i manao ia ma ia kanawai, a

NO KA MEA, ua hoopoino nui ia ka oihana mahiai a me ka hanai holoholona o keia Aupuni, i ka hoomake ana i na manu hoopomaikai i laweia mai a i hiki mai paha, mai na aina e mai, a me na manu hoea mai i ko lakou, mamuli o ka lawelawe nui ana i na pu kimanu, nolaila ;

E hooholoia e ka Moi a me ka Hale Ahaolelo o ko Hawaii Pae Aina, i akoakoa iloko o ka Ahaolelo Kaukanawai o ke Aupuni :

 PAUKU 1.  E hiki no i ke Kuhina Kalaiaina, ke haawi i Palapala ae e lawelawe i na pu kimanu a holoholona paha iloko o ka Apana o Kona, Mokupuni o Oahu, no ka makahiki hookahi, i kela a me keia mea e noi mai ana, ke loaa mai na dala Elima no ia Palapala ae.