THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3179
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the overpopulation of axis deer poses a significant threat to the ecological security and the health of local communities on several islands, especially in Maui county. Axis deer overpopulation and drought conditions on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai have led to widespread numbers of axis deer, which in turn has created a nuisance and threat to the local community.

The legislature further finds that better integration of state management efforts and local hunting practices would allow for a more effective response to axis deer overpopulation.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot program for the department of land and natural resources division of forestry and wildlife to issue moneys to licensed hunters for feral axis deer herd population management.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources division of forestry and wildlife shall conduct a pilot program for feral axis deer herd management on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai pursuant to the following:

(1) The division of forestry and wildlife shall issue moneys to licensed hunters at a per unit rate to be determined by the division;

(2) The division of forestry and wildlife shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 regarding:

(A) Lands on which hunters may operate in cooperation with private land owners;

(B) Gender, size, and condition of the axis deer that may be targeted;

(C) Bag limits for hunters to claim per unit rates;

(D) Time periods in which hunters may operate; and

(E) Any other parameters as necessary; and

(3) The division of forestry and wildlife shall consult with the department of agriculture on the development and management of the pilot program.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the following:

(1) The division of forestry and wildlife to establish a feral axis deer herd population management pilot program on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai;

(2) The purchase of an Infrared Unit B2-FO for the purpose of game management and collecting and tracking accurate herd counts;

(3) Three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) technician positions within the Maui branch of the division of forestry and wildlife (one for Maui, one for Lanai, and one for Molokai) to assist in managing new and existing hunting areas, assist with injured deer, distribute traps to control nuisance deer, and work with ranchers to establish hunting programs or control work on ranchlands; and

(4) The purchase of three vehicles, three deer traps, three trailers, ten satellite deer collars for tracking, and other equipment and helicopter rental fees required by the technicians to carry out their duties.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DLNR; Maui County; Herd Populations; Pilot Program; Appropriation

Description:

Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish a feral herd management pilot program under the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to manage axis deer populations in Maui County. Appropriates moneys. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

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