The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced a temporary closure of select areas on the island of Hawaiʻi for animal control measures. In an effort to protect the native bird species known as Palila, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will engage in activities aimed at reducing the populations of invasive mammals, such as feral goats and sheep.
Specifically, according to a recent news release of DLNR, operations will include trapping mouflon/feral sheep hybrids, along with aerial shooting from helicopters. These actions are taking place to comply with federal court orders that mandate the removal of these invasive species from the critical habitats designated for the Palila. Restricted areas during the control activities will include Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A), excluding a southern portion near the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K), Palila Mitigation Lands, and the Kaʻohe Game Management Area (Unit G).
The control measures are scheduled for October 30. Public access to the affected areas, including Mauna Kea Hunter Access Road, will be limited to those with permits issued for animal salvage purposes, starting at 7 a.m. on the day of the control. This move is part of an ongoing program to protect the endangered Palila bird by mitigating the threat posed by the non-native animals that compete with the Palila for food and habitat.
While hunting will still be allowed in a designated section of Mauna Kea Forest Reserve that borders the Pohakuloa Training Area, hunters looking to access the area will need to take note of the closures and check if they need to secure necessary permits for the specific date of animal control activities.
