HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2060
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

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 the State's use of aerial hunting of wild sheep and goats to comply with a federal court order to protect the habitat of the endangered bird species palila has raised many issues.  These include the conditions under which hunting from aircraft should be allowed, who shall be allowed to hunt from aircraft, conflicts in best hunting practices when aircraft are used in a hunt, and the humane nature of aerial hunting.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish the conditions under which aerial hunting is allowed in the State, including the use of aircraft in disease control and animal population control efforts as ordered by the courts.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 183D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§183D-    Hunting from aircraft; permissible activities. (a)  Aircraft may be used as provided in subsection (b) to conduct a hunt program in areas that are inaccessible by foot or by vehicle or to retrieve carcasses generated by hunts conducted pursuant to this section.

(b) Hunting from aircraft shall be conducted only:

(1) For the purposes of emergency animal disease control or pursuant to court order; and

(2) By an authorized employee or agent of a federal or state agency or any person authorized by the State;

provided that, prior to conducting any hunt pursuant to this subsection, the department shall consult with hunter advocacy groups in the area of the proposed hunt to determine whether best hunting practices exist that are a preferable alternative to an aerial hunt; provided further that if a dispute exists between the department and hunter advocacy groups on this issue, the board of land and natural resources shall make a determination on the best method to eradicate the game of concern.

(c)  Animal carcasses generated by a hunt conducted by a hunt pursuant to this section shall be retrieved and properly disposed of within twenty-four hours of the completion of the hunt."

     SECTION 3.  Section 263-10, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§263-10  Hunting from aircraft; penalty. (a)  Any aeronaut or passenger who, while in flight in, across, or above the State, intentionally kills or attempts to kill any birds or animals shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

(b)  Subsection (a) shall not apply to any hunt conducted pursuant to section 183D-  ."

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Aerial Hunting

Description:

Permits aerial hunting only by authorized personnel in connection with emergency animal disease control or other purposes as ordered by a court. Requires the department of land and natural resources to consult with hunter advocacy groups before conducting an aerial hunt.  Requires carcasses to be removed within 24 hours of the completion of an aerial hunt.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.