GMAC 2023 4th Quarter Report (002)

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Presentation: Joshua Pang-Ching and Ian Cole, East Hawaiʻi Wildlife Biologist, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife: “Update on East Hawaiʻi DOFAW Projects.” Synopsis: There have been some questions as to the process for accessing the Kapapala Ranch which is a cooperative game management area and a working ranch. Those who wish to access the forest reserve for mammal hunting, they need to go through an online system accessed through the Kapapala Ranch website. For game bird season, you have to access the ranch via the gate which is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and you check in at the check station. If no one is manning the station, there is a number to call and youʻll receive the combo for that day to access. There will also be some 1020 rule changes (the Stateʻs adaptive rule management process) that will affect bag limits in areas such as Mauna Kea, Hilo Forest Reserve, Puʻuanahulu, and increasing hunt days for areas such as Puʻuanahulu, which will include Friday, in addition to Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Discussion and Decision Making: ● Commissioners discussed creating a letter to DLNR, DOFAW in opposition to fencing within the buffer zone of the south boundary, Stainback to Kulani Correctional Facility in order to maintain access for kupuna and families. ● Commissioners discussed creating a letter to oppose fencing in the Piha Forest Reserve to keep it open for rifle hunters who are losing valuable hunting areas. December 19, 2023 Discussion and Decision Making: ● Election of Chair and Vice Chair - Austin Griffey was nominated to serve as Chair, and Cortney Okumura was nominated to serve as Vice Chair. ● Acknowledgement: Abraham Antonio, Sr.’s term as a Commissioner, and Chair, ended on December 31, 2023. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his distinguished service. Presentation: Alan Nakagawa, Hawaiʻi Countyʻs GMAC representative on the Feral Ungulate Task Force Committee. Synopsis: Mr. Nakagawa provided a summary of the initial meetings of the Task Force. The group reviewed HCR17 to ensure everyone was on the same page. Jason Omick from DLNR was selected to serve as chairperson. Mr. Nakagawa stated that he had some concerns with some of the data that the Task Force was provided regarding population data, claiming that the population is stable, but his personal experience is that the population has been reduced quite a bit. His assessment is that the plan is more like an eradication program, and not a sustainable hunting program or game management any longer. He also has concerns with the number of personnel dedicated to the project and how they are using their time. The task force will be dissolved June 30, 2024, and is requested to submit a report of its findings and