A recent operation to reduce the invasive feral animal population in Kalalau Valley seems to have paid off. State agencies, along with permitted hunters, mounted a two-day initiative to responsibly control numbers of feral pigs and goats that have been disturbing the local ecosystem and creating potential hazards for hikers and campers. The effort, which took place on September 9 and 10, succeeded in removing a total of 22 animals from the area, according to a press release by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Before the operation could even begin to unfold, officers from the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) were tasked to swiftly clear the campgrounds. They checked permits and issued advisories to campers, asking them to vacate the valley to ensure everyone's safety. With a safety briefing under their belt, hunters split into two groups to comprehensively cover both flanks of the valley. DOCARE officers additionally put up a watchful eye at Red Hill to stop anyone trying to slip in illegally.
The number of animals removed was slightly lower than what had been reported in some quarters—the hunt yielded 10 pigs and 12 goats. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate damage by these non-native species, which have been known to wreak havoc on indigenous plant life, contribute to erosion, and pose risks to public health and safety. The cleanup also entailed maintenance of the Kalalau facilities, where the Division of State Parks (DSP) staff handled the composting toilets, refreshed supplies, and dealt with rubbish.
"This hunt shows what can be accomplished when community hunters and state staff work together," DSP administrator Curt Cottrell stated in the same press release. He emphasized the challenge that feral animals continue to pose in the area, but also recognized the positive impact of such cooperative efforts. The participants of the hunt expressed their appreciation for the coordination and support provided by the DSP and DOCARE staff. One suggestion was to allow hunting above the waterfall to prevent goats from potentially dislodging stones into the camp area. DSP, through the release, also took the opportunity to remind campers about the lurking danger of falling rocks in the valley.
