HLH was founded in 2024 with the sole purpose of serving our Veterans and First Responders with a way to cope with civilian life and help ease the stresses of their military experiences. The "22 a day" is a number we must prevent. Our organization is a way for those experiencing episodes of stress to escape to the ocean and clear their heads, fishing and talking with other like-minded individuals, providing a healing atmosphere and a way to connect with others experiencing similar struggles. HLH is SELF-FUNDED as a way to escape the Red Tape of a Non-Profit, which it IS NOT. It's a simple organization. We pick a day, organize a trip, choose people in need and go fishing. Thats it.
Founders of HLH
"Pono"
Founder
Pono worked in a special task force that rescued kidnapped and abducted children. On a fishing charter with Jerry in 2023, the other founder of HLH, Pono heard a need for our veterans and first responders. Hook Line and Heroes was soon created. His mission is to help those in need and to be a voice for these heroic men and women who have served. His mission is to help provide an escape from daily life and to provide fishing trips for mental healing, camaraderie, and additional resources for these much deserved individuals, and for those in our community and abroad who are limited. Pono's passion is to give back to those who gave all.
Jerry Gillgren
Founder
In 2019, it was Jerry's original goal to serve those who served our country and currently realizes this goal through his fishing charter business "Malama Charters Hilo", who facilitates and funds the monthly trips.
A son of a WWII Navy Submarine Serviceman, Jerry has a special place in his heart for Military Men and Women. In 2013, Jerry joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, obtained his 100 Ton Master Merchant Mariner qual, and has served with CG Active Duty and Reservists on Search and Rescue missions, Marine Education and Training missions. He continues to serve today while running the charter business. Along with Pono, Jerry gladly provides monthly fishing trips at no-charge to those who request a seat on the next trip.
Tyler Kramer
Assistant/First Mate
Tyler served as a Navy Corpsman medic for 6 years in Oahu Hi, San Diego Ca. and Okinawa Japan. Tyler heads the Veterans Club at University of Hawaii Hilo and has always had a passion for helping others. Tyler is Malama Charters' 1st Mate and HLH assistant on fishing trips, as it is his passion to fish and help others fish as well. Tyler lives with his wife and daughter in Hilo, Hi.