STAND

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1397-06

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2006

RE: H.C.R. No. 98

H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 98 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PREPARE A PLAN TO REDUCE THE FERAL PIG POPULATION IN THE TANTALUS AREA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to reduce the feral pig population in the Tantalus area by requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) by preparing a plan, implementing policies and programs, and making recommendations.

The Conservation Council for Hawaii and Pig Hunters Association of Oahu supported this measure. DLNR, Animal Rights Hawaii, and a concerned individual opposed this bill. A concerned individual provided comments.

Your Committee finds that the feral pig population adversely affects many other regions, not only in the Tantalus area. Therefore, with the proper planning and coordination this program can be expanded to cover other areas in the future.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

(1) Changing the title to: "REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN MANAGING THE FERAL PIG POPULATION IN THE TANTALUS AND MANOA AREA";

(2) Clarifying the problems created by feral pigs;

(3) Requesting that DLNR use its authority under section 13-123-4, Hawaii Administrative Rules, to adjust hunting seasons and methods of harvest;

(4) Clarifying DLNR's requested duties to include meeting with community groups and implementing special hunts;

(5) Requesting DLNR to authorize removal of feral pig by private hunters using not only snares and traps, but also dogs, spears, and knives; and

(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for consistency, clarity, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 98, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 98, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources,

		____________________________ EZRA R. KANOHO, Chair