GMAC 2023 3rd Quarter Report (002)

Home

Agriculture & Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, “Understanding local pig hunter values and practices.” Presentation: Clay Trauernicht, Assistant Specialist, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management, “Wild Ungulates seem to like it green: Unmanaged vs Managed Grazing in Reducing Fire Risk.” Synopsis: They have been advocating for targeted grazing as a means of fire suppression, however, questions remain about feral ungulates, and what affect these wild animals are having on the fuel. Presentation: Joshua Pang-Ching, East Hawaiʻi Wildlife Biologist DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Update Kapapala Ranch access. Synopsis: The ranch has deployed a quicker and much more streamlined process as of July 2023: go to their website, kapapalaranch.com, register, submit forms, a photo of your ID, and wait for a response. You must submit the registration at least a day prior. Presentation: Kanalu Sproat, West Hawaiʻi Wildlife Biologist DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife - West Hawaiʻi Feral Ungulate Management Plan Task Force update. Synopsis: The task force met twice, and elected a Chair and Vice Chair. They are producing a report to present to the legislature. The main issues they are looking at are: addressing short staffing at DOFAW and the wildlife section of the island; they are suggesting creation of a couple of biologist positions and a technician position. They are also addressing the rules change - specifically, to increase harvesting of goats at Puʻuwaʻawaʻa and Punaluʻu, and increasing hunting opportunities at Pohakuloa Training Area. They are also investigating costs for fencing along the highways. September 19, 2023 Discussion and Decision Making: ● Finalized and sent a letter of Gratitude to House Rep. Mark Nakashima for introducing bills of GMAC interest. ● Commissioners voted to create two separate permitted interaction groups - one for the East side commissioners, and one for the West side commissioners to review certain chapters of the “Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program Game Management Program FY17-FY21,” published by DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, lead by Chair Abraham Antonio.