Bill Text: HI SB2368 | 2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Hunting; Feral Ungulates
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-14 - (S) The committee on WLH deferred the measure. [SB2368 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2368-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2368 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to hunting.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that feral ungulates such as pigs, goats, and deer damage the environment and threaten the survival of native plants, forests birds, and other species. In addition, the migration of feral ungulates, particularly pigs, from state land to residential areas has caused property damage and disturbances that affect the health, safety, and welfare of area residents.
The legislature further finds that in connection with its duty to manage and administer forests, forest reserves, public hunting areas, and natural areas, the department of land and natural resources has endeavored to control feral pig populations by scheduled hunting seasons.
In February 2007, the department initiated a special year-long pig control hunt, by permit, for the mauka sections of the Ala Wai watershed, including the Honolulu mauka trail system, located within the Honolulu forest reserve, that spans the Makiki-Tantalus area across Manoa valley to Wa‘ahila ridge, as well as portions of Pauoa flats west of the adjacent Makiki/Tantalus ridge. Normally off-limits to hunting due to the level of public use and proximity to the adjacent community, the special hunt was deemed necessary because of the persistence of feral pigs and the damage they caused to the resources, watershed, and public and private property. In 2008, the special hunt — which had snagged fifty-three feral pigs — was extended.
The department had previously instituted two special hunts which operated in three month-on and three month-off cycles. In 2002, fifteen feral pigs were caught, and twenty-two animals were taken during the 2004 to 2005 program.
The purpose of this Act is to establish a statewide cooperative program between the department of land and natural resources and hunters to reduce the population of feral ungulates on public lands.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall establish a statewide program, in cooperation with licensed hunters, to reduce the population of feral ungulates on public lands.
(b) The department shall determine the requirements of the program to ensure its safety, feasibility, and effectiveness, including:
(1) Specific dates, times, and duration of the program;
(2) Hunting methods, including weapons and the use and number of dogs allowed to a hunter or hunting party;
(3) Bag limits, if any;
(4) Specific prohibitions, such as types of weapons or baiting;
(5) Hunting notices to be posted in or near hunting areas;
(6) Harvest information, including hunter names, date, hunt duration, location of harvest, number of feral ungulates, and sex and weight of each animal;
(7) Permit procedures; and
(8) Other information, as appropriate.
(c) For the purpose of this section, "feral ungulate" shall have the same meaning as "game mammal" in section 183D-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(d) The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2013 and 2014, on the activities and effectiveness of the program, including recommendations to continue or discontinue the program and any legislation required, if appropriate.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Hunting; Feral Ungulates
Description:
Requires the department of land and natural resources to establish a statewide program, in cooperation with licensed hunters, to reduce the population of feral ungulates on public lands; requires reports to the legislature prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2013 and 2014.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
