Hiki No Artillery Association | Private 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Supporting Those Who
Answer the Call
The Hiki No Artillery Association serves the Soldiers and Families of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, Hawaii Army National Guard — as a private, legally independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.
1st Battalion · 487th Field Artillery
Hawaii Army National Guard
Notice: HNAA is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, legally independent of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army. We are organized solely to support Soldiers and Families of the 1-487th FA Battalion. Army guidance requires unit-affiliated support organizations to remain legally separate from the military chain of command.
Our Mission
HNAA serves the 1-487th FA family through three core areas of charitable work, as defined in our 2019 bylaws and governed by elected standing committees.
Charitable Programs
Financial assistance, emergency support funds, and scholarships for Soldiers and their families facing hardship — particularly during and following deployment.
Morale & Welfare
Unit gatherings, family days, holiday events, and community programs that strengthen bonds within the 1-487th FA ohana and honor the service of its members.
Readiness Initiatives
Supplemental resources for training readiness and professional development that support the battalion's mission — above and beyond government appropriations.
Board of Directors
HNAA is governed by officers elected by the membership, in accordance with the HNAA Bylaws (2019) and conducted under Roberts Rules of Order.
IRS Form 990 available on request per Article VIII of the HNAA Bylaws.
A Legacy in
Hawaiian Artillery
The story of Field Artillery in Hawai'i stretches back nearly two centuries — from the royal military of the Hawaiian Kingdom to one of the Army National Guard's most distinguished battalions.
Full HistoryArtillery Under the Hawaiian Kingdom
King Kamehameha III reorganizes the Hawaiian Militia, establishing a formal Artillery Detachment — the first organized artillery force in the islands.
Prince's Own Artillery Corps
King David Kalākaua establishes the Prince's Own Artillery Corps, one of five companies of the Hawaiian Army. Commanded by Curtis P. Iaukea and James Harbottle Boyd, the corps served until the Bayonet Constitution reorganization of 1889.
Republic of Hawaii National Guard
Following the overthrow of the monarchy, Company D of the Republic's National Guard becomes an artillery battery, receiving 12-pound Driggs-Schroeder breech-loading cannons — later restored by the 1-487th FA.
World War II: Coastal Defense of Hawai'i
Unit predecessors provide crucial coastal artillery defense of the Hawaiian Islands following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The battalion earns a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the Central Pacific campaign.
487th Field Artillery Established
The unit converts to the 487th Artillery under the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade. COL Francis A.I. "Miki" Bowers, Jr. becomes the first commander; the Wahiawa Armory is later named in his honor.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
The 1-487th FA deploys twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, performing security and convoy escort operations. Subsequent deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF VIII) — Kuwait
The 1-487 FAR deploys to Kuwait as part of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, providing base defense, force protection, and convoy security across Camp Arifjan and Camp Virginia during the theater transition and drawdown.
Historic C-RAM Mission
The 1-487th FA becomes the first field artillery unit in U.S. history to perform the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) protection mission — a landmark in American military history.
Programs & Committees
HNAA conducts its work through standing committees established in the 2019 bylaws. Each committee is accountable to the elected board and the membership.
View All ProgramsScholarship Committee
Educational support for Soldiers and their dependents pursuing higher education.
Budget Committee
Responsible oversight of HNAA finances, with records available to all members per Article VIII.
Audit Committee
Independent financial review ensuring transparency and fiduciary accountability.
Membership Committee
Outreach and recruitment of Regular and Honorary members within the 1-487th FA community.
Fundraising Committee
Events and campaigns that sustain HNAA's charitable capacity year-round.
Family Assistance
Direct support to families during deployment and times of hardship or emergency.
Support the Mission
Every Contribution Supports
a Soldier's Family
HNAA is a 100% volunteer organization. Every dollar you give goes directly to scholarships, family assistance, and morale programs for the 1-487th FA ohana. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Donate NowHNAA is a private 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN pending IRS determination.
Membership
HNAA membership is open to the Soldiers, veterans, families, and supporters of the 1-487th FA Battalion. A quorum of five Regular Members is required to conduct official business.
Regular Membership
- Active or former Soldiers of the 1-487th FA Battalion
- At least 75% of membership must be former U.S. military personnel
- Full voting rights; eligible for elected officer positions
- Access to all member programs, including scholarship eligibility
Honorary Membership
- Individuals who have rendered significant service to the 1-487th FA
- Open to family members, widows, widowers, and community leaders
- Recognized by a vote of the Regular membership
- Non-voting advisory role; full participation in all events and programs
HNAA has been invited to join the Oahu Veterans Council as a Veterans Service Organization — a recognition of the Association's commitment to the veteran community of Hawai'i.