HI HCR17

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to convene a task force to develop a feral ungulate management plan for West Hawaii addressing overpopulation of feral goats and pigs.

Task force composition includes 10 members appointed by legislative leaders, state agency heads, county officials, university representatives, and invasive species organizations, with required expertise in wildlife population estimates, feral ungulate management, roadway hazards, and biodiversity preservation.

Task force must consult with wildlife managers, hunters, watershed managers, park managers, invasive species experts, and large landowners while developing the plan and exploring management strategies such as higher bag limits, increased hunting seasons, commercial hunting incentivization, and targeted culling.

Task force members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses including travel, with authority to select a chair and invite additional interested parties to participate.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes and will dissolve on June 30, 2024.