HB1831 SD1

SECTION 1. (a) The legislature finds that:

(1) Introduced game mammals are a significant threat to native species and ecosystems; watersheds, public and private property; and human health and safety.

(2) The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, has produced management guidelines that designate lands appropriate for sustained-yield hunting. Outside these lands, game mammal control is needed to protect other resources.

In order to accommodate these disparate land uses, provide a better hunting experience in game management areas, and better protect public lands and private property, an integrated game management and ungulate control plan is needed for each island.

Effective management of introduced game mammal species in an island environment is a complex process that requires comprehensive planning, monitoring, sustained intense effort to achieve desired goals, and education of the public.

(b) The legislature further finds that:

(1) A greater level of state aid is needed to deal with a problem that has severe long-term consequences for the State's economy and the quality of land, water, and other natural resources statewide;

(2) Comprehensive planning can improve the management of hunting areas to provide a higher quality hunting experience in the game management areas; and

(3) With proper legislative funding, integrated game mammal management and control efforts supported by research, planning, monitoring, and community education will bring a reduction in the economic and environmental threats posed by introduced game mammals.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, shall develop and produce game mammal management and control plans for each island, beginning with the island of Oahu. In the course of developing the game mammal management and control plans, the division of forestry and wildlife shall collaborate with and seek input from hunters who use the game mammal management areas.

Game mammal management and control plans for each island shall:

(1) Set management objectives, including interim and long-term goals, a timeframe for achieving the goals, and indicators for measuring performance;

(2) Address all areas where game mammals are present;

(3) Clearly define and map the areas considered appropriate for sustained-yield hunting;

(4) Provide estimates for the number and job descriptions of staff responsible for effective management of these hunting areas;

(5) Provide estimates for the number and job descriptions of staff responsible for effective study and control of game mammals outside sustained-yield hunting areas;

(6) Prioritize non-hunting areas for control actions to protect important natural resources;

(7) Educate land managers and owners, and relevant individuals and organizations on game mammal impacts and ensure skilled and effective participation in control activities and public outreach;

(8) Educate and work with hunters who use the game mammal management areas to ensure skilled and effective participation in control activities; and

(9) Provide guidelines for public outreach activities and staffing.

The game mammal management and control plans for each island shall be periodically updated to account for any changes relating to the management, implementation, and enforcement of rules, or activities of the game mammal management areas. In updating the game mammal management and control plans for each island, the department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, shall provide opportunities for hunters who use the game mammal management areas to contribute input and any concerns with respect to the game mammal management areas.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $180,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 to the department of land and natural resources,

division of forestry and wildlife, for the support and implementation of research and planning for game mammal management and control and to produce game mammal management and control plans.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. The department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife, shall submit to the legislature a report on its activities under this Act no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2008 regular session and every year thereafter. The department shall submit to the legislature game mammal management and control plans for Oahu and for as many other islands as it may have developed such plans no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2009 regular session.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1831
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1