THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2130

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

S.D. 1

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 identify the most appropriate public lands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii, that may become designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals without conflicting with other land uses.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  No later than December 31, 2026, the department of land and natural resources shall identify public lands on each of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii, that are the most appropriate for becoming designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals.  Any public land identified pursuant to this subsection shall not conflict with any other use of the public land identified.

     (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 applicable 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 on July 1, 2050.

 

 

 

Report Title:

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

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify public lands on each island of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii, that may be newly designated as public hunting areas for the hunting of game birds and game mammals without conflicting with other land uses.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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