THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2130
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to hunting.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that hunting provides significant ecological benefits for the State. For example, hunting is an important tool to control the population of certain invasive species, such as axis deer and feral goats. If left unchecked by hunters, these species may overgraze grasslands and forests, destroying fragile native plants and habitats. Hunting is critical to preventing this ecological damage, protecting endangered native species, and controlling erosion.

The legislature further finds that many local families rely on wild game meat for sustenance, which helps to maintain public health, reduce overreliance on imported food, and further the State's sustainability goals. For many local families, hunting also has deep cultural and social significance, helping to maintain a link to the past while creating recreational opportunities for individuals to maintain social links with family members and friends.

Despite these benefits, the legislature finds that there is a shortage of public lands available for hunting, limiting access to this important activity.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to amend its administrative rules to increase by twenty per cent on each island the total acreage of public lands designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals.

SECTION 2. (a) No later than December 31, 2026, the department of land and natural resources shall amend chapters 122 and 123 of title 13, Hawaii Administrative Rules, pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to increase, by twenty per cent on each of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii, the total acreage of public lands designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals.

(b) The department of land and natural resources shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027 that includes:

(1) The department's progress in complying with subsection (a) for each island;

(2) If the department is not in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a) for a particular island, the reasons for the non-compliance; and

(3) Any other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DLNR; Public Lands; Hunting Access; Public Hunting Areas; Report

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to amend its administrative rules to increase by 20% on each island the total acreage of public lands designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals. Requires report to Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.