GMAC Fiscal Year Report 2022 (draft)

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HAWAII COUNTY GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR: July 2021 to June 2022 GMAC has continued through this last County fiscal year to advocate for wild game and fish resources, hunters, fishermen, and related historical and cultural practices. By providing monthly meetings with expert guest speakers, GMAC has made information and education available on related current subject matters and given opportunity for the public to voice concerns. With respect for the Sunshine law process, GMAC has put together advisory letters to address Federal, State, and County agencies with concerns and solutions. While doing so, GMAC has strived to honorably serve the County of Hawaii, and gain Mayorial support. After assessing current related issues and the Sunshine process, GMAC advised the 2022 Hawaii State Legislature regarding the formulation and implications of specific bills. To highlight some of the accomplishments of GMAC in 2021-22: • After years of study, investigation, and pursuit in the County, GMAC recommended that the 2022 Hawaii State Legislature form a State working group for the development of a needed Hawaii Island public shooting range. By popular demand, SB3298 was introduced, passed, and became law. • As the wild pig and goat populations have become a concern, GMAC has made it a subject matter in their public meetings, exploring solutions utilizing hunters and encouraging the use of wild resources for local sustainability. • GMAC has explored State Pittman-Robertson fund spending with DOFAW Wildlife Biologist Jason Omick, hoping more will be spent in support of hunters and wild game resources. • With game bird populations in decline, GMAC investigated the possible causes with DOFAW Wildlife Biologists, and inquired about habitat improvement and re-population. With reports of game bird unintentionally caught in mongoose/cat traps in Game Management Areas, GMAC also discussed possible solutions. • With the growing problem of wild fires, GMAC provided updated information for the public, studied the cost and effectiveness of fire breaks, and encouraged the use of properly managed sheep and goat to control grass fire fuel build up. • In concern for native species preservation, GMAC invited speakers from BIISC and the Hilo UH Extension Foresters to provide education on current threats and preventions. • In efforts to protect public hunting access, GMAC pursued the Kaupakuea Hilo Forest Reserve access with advisory letters to the County, and worked out an