06/09/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2025 16:26
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR |
DAWN CHANG
CHAIRPERSON |
HAWAIʻI ISLAND RESERVES TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE JULY 1-2 FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES
[Link]
HILO, Hawaiʻi - Animal control activities targeting feral goats, feral sheep and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids are scheduled for July 1-2, 2025 on Hawaiʻi Island. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will conduct the operations using ground-based and aerial methods.
The federal government mandates these actions to protect the habitat of the palila, a critically endangered native forest bird with a dwindling wild population. Control efforts will take place within critical palila habitat areas, including:
During control operations, public access to these areas will be restricted. Limited access for animal salvage purposes will be allowed by permit only on the following dates and times:
For detailed information on control activities, schedules, salvage permit applications and access conditions, please visit the DOFAW website or contact the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221.
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RESOURCES
(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)
Photographs - Hawai'i Island Reserves Closure for Animal Control (various):
Legal Notice of Animal Control Activities: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2025/05/LN-Mauna-Kea-Closure-7-1-25-DGS-part-1-signed.pdf
Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi Hunting Page: https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/hunting/
Media Contact:
Ryan Aguilar
Communications Specialist
Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i
Phone: 808-587-0396
Email: [email protected]