HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT GMAC Advisory letter to DLNR 09_22_2020
HAWAII COUNTY GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY
COMMISSION
September 22, 2020
Suzanne D. Case
Chairperson
Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kalanimoku Bld., 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813
Re: Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission,
advise to the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural
Resources.
Dear Suzanne Case,
We advise that the DLNR re-visit, and or contest the Federal
eradication mandate for Mauna Kea, and re-evaluate the wild
game eradication agenda in all State Game Management Area.
Game animals have been vastly diminished for the purpose of
native re-forestation. Since, invasive grasses, weeds, and
deceased native vegetation have built up a tremendous source of
fire fuel, setting the stage for massive wildfire. The Federal order
to eradicate sheep and goat on Mauna Kea was based on
information that these game animals caused the palila population
decline. After 40 years of eradication, the information has proven
inaccurate, as the palila has continued to decline drastically since
the removal of sheep and goat. The removal of game animals on
Mauna Kea, and in other GMA, has instead created a much
greater threat to native species, wildfire. We advise that the DLNR
re-consider and apply game management that utilizes sheep and
goat, for land management. Such browsers and grazers have
proven to provide an effective and cost-efficient method of fire fuel
control in our forest reserves when properly managed and as a
renewable resource. Such management would also satisfy
hunters, and provide an important backup food resource to our
communities.
"During the depression years of the early 1930's, the hunting
program in the forest reserves was opened to public hunting to
satisfy the demand of meat. On the average, 30,000 animals were
killed annually during that period (DLNR Draft GMA, pg. 12,
2017)." We again have a mounting situation of threatened food
import, soaring food cost, and joblessness. Here on Hawaii
Island, hunting is historically and culturally been a practice to
provide meat for families and communities. Now the game
resources are very depleted, at a time when residences need it
the most.
We advise that game be managed as a renewable resource and
cared for with adequate water availability, food, habitat, and
migration opportunity. We advise game be allow to replenish, for
the protection of the native forest, and the people of Hawaii.
Sincerely,
Cc: Governor David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim, DLNR Deputy Director
Robert Masuda, DOFAW Administrator David Smith, DOFAW
Branch Manager Steven Bergfeld