Bill > HB347

This bill addresses the growing goat population on Hawaii island by prohibiting the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) from establishing or implementing bag limits for goats in public hunting areas. The bill's findings highlight that goats have become a nuisance in neighborhoods and on roadways, particularly in west Hawaii, and that they can cause significant environmental damage when they proliferate in areas without natural predators. The legislation recognizes hunters as important conservation partners and seeks to remove restrictions on goat hunting by amending Section 183D-4 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Specifically, the bill adds language to the existing statute that explicitly prevents DLNR from setting bag limits on goats in public hunting areas, with the intent of allowing more extensive hunting to control the goat population. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval, providing a direct mechanism for managing the goat population through increased hunting opportunities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=347&year=2026