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inaccurate, as the palila has continued to decline drastically since <br />the removal of sheep and goat. The removal of game animals on <br />Mauna Kea, and in other GMA, has instead created a much <br />greater threat to native species, wildfire. We advise that the DLNR <br />re-consider and apply game management that utilizes sheep and <br />goat, for land management. Such browsers and grazers have <br />proven to provide an effective and cost-efficient method of fire fuel <br />control in our forest reserves when properly managed and as a <br />renewable resource. Such management would also satisfy <br />hunters, and provide an important backup food resource to our <br />communities. <br />"During the depression years of the early 1930's, the hunting <br />program in the forest reserves was opened to public hunting to <br />satisfy the demand of meat. On the average, 30,000 animals were <br />killed annually during that period (DLNR Draft GMA, pg. 12, <br />2017)." We again have a mounting situation of threatened food <br />import, soaring food cost, and joblessness. Here on Hawaii <br />Island, hunting is historically and culturally been a practice to <br />provide meat for families and communities. Now the game <br />resources are very depleted, at a time when residences need it <br />the most. <br />We advise that game be managed as a renewable resource and <br />cared for with adequate water availability, food, habitat, and <br />migration opportunity. We advise game be allow to replenish, for <br />the protection of the native forest, and the people of Hawaii. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Cc: Governor David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim, DLNR Deputy Director <br />Robert Masuda, DOFAW Administrator David Smith, DOFAW <br />Branch Manager Steven Bergfeld <br /> <br />