2014-08-25 Game Management Advisory Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Game Management Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – August 25, 2014 L. Hadway did not have an answer but will get back to Chair Lodge. If any animals were released from Pohakuloa would they be available to be moved into or pushed into Puuanahulu? If you’re familiar with the situation we had when we moved some animals in about a year and half ago. At this point it would take more planning to get that all in order. Chair Lodge thanked Lisa Hadway for attending the meeting. DOCARE Officers – Game Laws and Poaching Hawaii Police Dept. – Trespass, Property Damage, Animal Control Chair T. Lodge introduced Police Officers, Captain Durian, community policing Officer Passmore from Hamakua and Lieutenant Mahuna. Also, DOCARE Officer James Weller Police welcomed folks to contact them with specific issues and they will be happy to assist in any way. Call or drop by your district station or call the non- emergency number 935-3311 and an officer will response. Whatever crime that can be proven – research must be done and evidence gathered - trespassing is an easy one for police to handle. Signage posted and would be best if the area were fenced. Each case is different. Cameras are wonderful to have. The land may be leased and police will probably need to work with the owner. Police will work with all parties. You may call but the land owner needs to be on board to prosecute. For folks packing, it would be wise not to use deadly force. You will be in a worst position than the person who was trespassing on your land. These types of situations can quickly get out of hand. Police prefer a one on one sit down versus having a large meeting which is a lot of what ifs can come out of this. Each case is different. Police encouraged folks to call them to find out what your options are. They are 24/7, call 911 or dispatch. This is their job and if you are not satisfied, please call for an appointment to see or to speak to the supervisor in charge. Community Policing Officer Passmore who is stationed in the Hamakua District shared that he had one call in a year and 3 months for poachers – after the fact. Police cannot help if they don’t know about it. He encouraged folks to report these incidents. By reporting it is documented. James Waller, State of Hawaii Enforcement Officer stated, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement does not respond to calls on trespassing on private lands. Main focus is state lands - Land and Natural Resources. 7