State Seal

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

 

News Release

     LINDA LINGLE              

           GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                              PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                                                                                              Phone: (808) 587-0401

                                                                                                                                              Fax: (808) 587-0390

                                                                                                                                             

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2006

  

DLNR Invites Manoa-Tantalus Residents To
Information Meeting On Feral Pig Control


HONOLULU—  The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is inviting residents, property owners, and forest recreation users of the Manoa, Makiki and Tantalus areas to participate in an information meeting at 6 p.m., on Wednesday July 19, 2006 at Manoa Elementary School cafeteria, 3155 Manoa Road, to provide feedback on methods DLNR is proposing for control of feral pigs in the area.

"In response to neighborhood complaints regarding feral pig rooting, subsequent mud run-off, trail system damage, and concern for maintaining watershed quality and general public safety, DLNR had instituted two special hunts.  In 2002, 15 feral pigs were caught, and 22 animals were taken during the 2004/2005 program," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

“As stewards of the state’s forest reserves and watershed areas, DLNR’s mission is to protect these vital resources.  Special hunts serve as a tool with which to address pig damage in areas otherwise unsuitable for regular hunting area designation,” Young said.

Persistent pig presence and damage during the winter of 2005 has necessitated further development of the existing pig control program to be initiated upon final public review.

DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife staff has been working with the office of State Rep. Kirk Caldwell, the Board of Water Supply,  the Oahu Pig Hunters’ Association, DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate to develop five methods which may be employed by the Department.  Those methods, which will be discussed at the public meeting, are:

1.         Day hunts.  One week day and one weekend day.
2.         Full moon night hunts.  Scheduled once a month.
3.         Trapping in collaboration with the Oahu Pig Hunters’ Association and licensed hunters.
4.         A trap-building workshop.
5.         Community network for rapid response.

For more information, call 973-9789

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For more information, media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320