REPORT TO THE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
STATE OF HAWAII2018 REGULAR SESSIONRELATING TO THE WILDLIFE REVOLVING FUND

Prepared by
THE STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESDIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFEIn response to Section 183D-10.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes
Honolulu, Hawaii
October 2017

RELATING TO THE WILDLIFE REVOLVING FUNDFISCAL YEAR 2017
PURPOSEThe goal of the Wildlife Revolving Fund (WRF) is to provide funds to manage andenhance public hunting opportunities in Hawai‘i. Act 290, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 1991,
amended Section 183D-10.5, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), by adding a requirement foran annual report to be prepared by the Department of Land and Natural Resources(Department) on the status of the WRF and transmitted to the Legislature no later thantwenty days prior to each regular session. The report is to include:
1. The source and application of monies deposited into the fund, including a description of
the criteria and process used to determine funding priorities;
2. A description of programs and activities supported by the fund;
3. A summary of program highlights and accomplishments; and4. A description of future program plans, including specific goals and objectives.
FUNDS
Section 183D-10.5(b), HRS, provides that the following proceeds shall be retained by ortransmitted to the Department for deposit in the WRF: fees for hunting licenses, game bird
farmer and Commercial Hunting Preserve licenses and fees, hunting guide licenses, hunter
education training programs and use of public target ranges, fines collected for hunting or
wildlife law violations, bail forfeitures, sale of articles required before hunting, and related
works of art. For Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 17), the major source of revenue was hunting
license sales followed by the sale of game tags. Sources of revenues are detailed below:
Revenue did not meet the Department’s authorized budget ceiling for the WRF of$635,428.00. New expenditures totaled $429,115.32. The cash balance at the end of FY 17
amounted to $428,841.72, with outstanding encumbrances of $43,232.63. Revenues have
gradually increased in the WRF throughout FY 17 due to an increase in the number of nonresident hunters in the State of Hawai‘i and an increase in number of licenses and game tags
sold.
Status of S-343
Beginning Cash Balance of Fund on July 1, 2017
Revenues during FY 2017
Cash Transfer from FY15
Investment Pool (FY15)
Expenditures during FY 2017
Cash Balance as of June 30, 2017
Unpaid encumbrances as of June 30, 2017
Unencumbered Cash for carryover as of 06/30/2017

1$236,631.23$607,495.46$13,827.11$3.24- $429,115.32$428,841.72-$43,232.63$385,609.09

Summary of Revenues FY 17
Hunting Guide License and Lottery
Game bird Farmers
Hunting license with Cons
Fees, Wildlife Conservation Stamp
Hunter Ed Fees (FY17)
Game bird Stamps
Sales of Game Tags
Operation and Maintenance$46,730.00$5,500.00$288,680.00$2,110.00$0.00$44,235.46$220,205.00$35.00Total Revenue for FY 17$607,495.46

Summary of Expenditures FY 17
Personnel
Operations$169,725.49$225,400.85

Hunter Ed Fees (FY 2000 – FY16) Cash Transfer$33,988.98

Total Expenditures$429,115.32

Summary of Outstanding Claims FY 17
Operations Claims
Amount expended
Total remaining balance of outstanding claims

77,711.05
34,478.42
43,232.63

FUNDING PRIORITIESThe WRF has been an important portion of the overall budget to meet obligations ofstate match and operating and salary expenses for game and wildlife projects. Because themajor sources of revenue for the WRF come from direct charges to hunters, priority isgiven to expenditures which benefit this user group. A formal hunting rule change has been
conducted and was approved in May of 2015 therefore the sale of stamps, game tags, andapplication fees may be assessed to hunters by species, area, and season chosen to hunt.
In budgeting for the WRF, a policy of allotting at least 85% of the budget for thehunting program has been in place and followed. Up to 15% of the budget may be used for
nongame and wildlife sanctuary management, for projects that may have dual benefits togame species and nongame species.

2Section 183D-10.5(e), HRS, also requires that the State first use WRF monies to"maximize the State's participation to secure federal funds under the Pittman-Robertson
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.” Consequently, a priority was given to those
expenditures that provided the state match for Pittman-Robertson (PR) projects.
The allocation of operating funds to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s(DOFAW’s) Branch Offices was done on a lump sum basis to be used on eligible projects.
With the increase in hunting fee revenue, the funding available for salaries has
increased and two additional positions have been funded. The operating funds were allottedto the Branches based on the respective Branch wildlife program size and complexity, andamount of revenue generated from license fees.
PROCESS USED1.

The Department’s Fiscal Office and DOFAW coordinated to determine the amountof the Fund available for allocation to DOFAW’s Branch Offices.

2.

At the beginning of each fiscal year, a portion of the WRF budget is allocated toeach DOFAW Branch Office and to Honolulu Administrative Staff for Statewide
projects. A portion of the funds are allocated for temporary personnel to maintainwildlife program functions, and to pay budgeted add-on salary costs to assist withwildlife projects.

3.

Each Branch Office collaborates in the development of the overall annual WRF
budget, to benefit the resources and resource users, all within the criteria ofcompliance with the purpose of the WRF and the necessity to provide state-match
requirements for PR projects.

4.

An emphasis was placed on using WRF for essential expenditures to provide
support for public hunting opportunities.

5.

All expenditures are identified and coded as "WILDLIFE REVOLVING FUND: S17-343” to facilitate tracking and accountability.

6.

Expenditures complied with approved categories of expenditures for WRF as
established by The Board of Land and Natural Resources on August 13, 1993 (seeAttachment 1, appended)

HUNTING LICENSE SALES OVERVIEW
Overall, Hawai‘i hunting license sales and sale of non-resident licenses have shown asteady increase since 2005 and 2009, respectively (Figure 1 and 2). Since this combined
revenue is earmarked in the WRF and used to benefit game management and hunting
programs, it suggests that hunter recruitment, hunter retention, and hunting tourism
programs be actively promoted.

3

DOFAW established a $10 Wildlife Conservation Stamp in 2015, and made it an
integral and mandatory part of the general hunting license, effectively increasing theresident license fee purchase price to $20 (non-resident $105). Hawai‘i Administrative Rule13-122-5.1 granted the Department authority to “establish fees for wildlife stamps,
application fees, and tags” insofar as the fee set for each stamp, fee, or tag does not exceed
the cost of a hunting license ($10). Hence a sharp increase in revenues was observed infiscal year 2016 (Figure 3). For the current fee schedule for hunting licenses, wildlife
conservation stamps, applications, permits, and tags for special lottery or hunts (seeAttachment I).

13000
12000
11000
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

# Licenses Sold

Total Number of Licenses Sold in State of Hawaii

Years
Figure 1. The total number of hunting licenses sold in the State of Hawai‘i (1995 – 2017).

4

# of Hunting Licenses

Number of Non-Resident Hunting Licenses Sold
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Years
Figure 2. The total number of non-resident hunting licenses sold (2009 – 2017).

DOFAW Hunting Program Revenue$700,000.00

Revenue$600,000.00$500,000.00$400,000.00$300,000.00$200,000.00$100,000.00
$0.00
2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

Years
Figure 3. Revenue derived from the WRF over a sixteen-year segment.

5

2016

2018

Economic Benefits
In addition to providing recreation and supporting a chosen lifestyle for many
residents, hunting provides an economic benefit to the state. Hunting in America is big
business. It generates more than $86.9 billion in economic output and 680,937 jobs. The
top 10 states all receive over $ 1 billion annually in economic benefit from hunting NSSFNational Shooting Sports Foundation & International Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies-IAFWA 2011).
Hawai‘i, Montana, Maine and Idaho are states of similar population. Montana, Maine,and Idaho actively promote hunting in their states, and realized an average of $428 million
in 2001 to $648 million in 2011 in economic benefit (NSSF & IAFWA 2001; 2011).
Although Hawai‘i does not actively promote its game resources, the state economy
nevertheless benefits from its hunting programs. The estimated overall economic impact
from hunting in Hawai‘i was $28 million in 2001 and $73 million in 2011 (NSSF &IAFWA 2001; 2011). A modest effort in promotional activities could increase the state’s
economic benefit substantially.
In addition to the tangible revenue benefit described, hunters provide a no cost service
to mitigate the adverse impact of nuisance wildlife, a cost that would otherwise be borneby government agencies. State and local taxes would have to be raised significantly to pay
for professionals to make up for the loss of licensed hunters who currently pay a fee toprovide the same service. National studies have been made to estimate costs to the public
in areas of human health, transportation, safety, agriculture, dwellings, and infrastructure
if hunting and trapping were lost as primary wildlife management tools (IAFWA 2005).
Economic Impact of All Hunting Activities in the State of Hawaii
Year
2001
2011

Total multiplier Salaries andSales and Motor State &State income Federal income
Jobs
EffectWages
Fuel Taxes
Local Taxes Taxes
Taxes$ 16,974,189 $ 27,830,441 $ 6,365,560 242 $
946,162
N/A
1,066,269$
447,388 $$ 52,713,340 $ 73,001,767 $23,514,889 774
N/A$ 6,025,027
N/A$
5,099,046

Retail Sales

NOTE: Definitions: Retail Sales – the dollars spent by hunters; Total Multiplier Effect – the total amount ofspending that occurs in the economy as a result of hunters’ spending; Salaries and Wages: total amounts paid
to employers and small business owners in companies that serve hunters or support businesses who directly
serve hunters; Jobs – the number of positions supported in businesses directly and indirectly serving hunters;
Tax Revenues – government receipts received from businesses and individuals who directly and indirectly
serve hunters (NSSF & IAFWA 2001; 2011).

Number of hunters and Days of
Hunting in the State of HawaiiYear # Hunters # Days of Hunting
316,003
2001
16,940
2011
774,173
22,523
Taken directly from NSSF & IAFWA 2001; 2011.

6

7

8

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PLANS
KAUA‘I BRANCH
Hunting Season Management
Objectives: Provide hunting information to the public and other districts throughannouncements and news releases. Manage public hunting seasons in compliance with
Chapter 13-122 Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, regulating game bird hunting and Chapter
13-123 Hawai‘i Administrative Rules regulating game mammal hunting.
Accomplishments: The WRF was used to purchase United States Postal Service bulk
stamps to mail game tags and permits to public hunters. Miscellaneous office supplies
were purchased using the WRF to operate the public hunting seasons. Bulk fuel was alsopurchased to operate six game trucks to manage twelve (12) public hunting units on
Kauaʻi. The game trucks were also maintained and repaired when needed.
Commission on Hunting License Sales
Objective: To pay the Kaua‘i hunting license vendors for their commission on the sale ofthe 2016-17 Hawai‘i Hunting Licenses.
Accomplishments: Hunting licenses were available and sold to Kauaʻi license vendors.
Research Project: Game Bird Guzzlers in Kekaha Game Management Area (GMA)
Objective: Effectiveness of game bird guzzlers in Kekaha Game Management Area.
Accomplishments: During the month of March and April, DOFAW biologists on Kaua‘i,
set up camera traps on two water tanks, also known as guzzlers. The two guzzlers arelocated in the Kekaha GMA. The camera traps recorded everything taking advantage of afree drink. The Biologists recorded a total of 174 game birds that drank from these twowater tanks over a 3-day period. The
species that took advantage of the
guzzlers were the ring-neckedpheasants (32); Erckel’s francolin(6); Spotted dove (97) and Barred
Dove (39). By collecting this type of
information periodically we can see
if our guzzlers in the GMA are
effective and being used by gamebirds.
Photo: Ring-necked pheasant caught drinking water oncamera trap (03/17/2017).

9

Game Bird Release Project
Objectives: Manage and operate the pheasant release project in the Kekaha GameManagement Area.
Accomplishments: WRF monies were used to purchase and raise 700 day old ring-neckedpheasant chicks to be released in the GMA. The project involved raising the birds for the
first two and a half months of age and releasing them throughout the hunting area.
Game Operations and MaintenanceObjectives: Maintain and expand the capacity to manage water units, fences, hunterchecking stations, and other infrastructure necessary for hunting. Improve game
operations and maintenance through additional field staffing, adequate equipment andsupplies.
Accomplishments: WRF monies were used to upkeep the thirteen hunter public checkstations on Kauaʻi. WRF monies were expended on printing hunting information andmaps. Game auto-feeders were maintained and operated through the summer and fallseason and deactivated one month prior to the open season in November. A total of 30
game bird water guzzlers were in operation and were maintained in the Kekaha GMA.
Bulk diesel fuel was purchased to operate medium and heavy equipment for gamemanagement purposes. This equipment was also maintained and repaired when needed.
Lastly, WRF monies were used to pay for utility bills such as electric, water, andtelephones.
Total WRF Expenditure for Kauaʻi District: Operating $30,426.62/Personnel $53,124.04
Future Program Plans
1. Provide for the administrative costs, such as printing and publishing of game tags,
permits, announcements of hunting seasons and additions of new hunting areas. $5,000 (100% WRF)
2. Incremental development of the proposed Hanahanapuni public shooting/archeryrange $20,000 (50% WRF)
3. Continue the artificial game bird release project in the Kekaha GMA. Expand on thegame bird release project in Hunting Unit I (Wailua GMA) and Unit L (Waimea
Heights). Plan, design, and purchase building materials, equipment and supplies forthe complete construction of a game bird rearing facility - $30,000 (100% WRF)
4. Purchase one four-wheel-drive truck to be added to the game program to support all
aspects of operations, management, and surveys. $50,000 (50% WRF)
5. Maintain game vehicles and equipment to manage and operate the Kaua‘i hunting
program. $30,000 (50% WRF)
6. Purchase of construction materials and supplies to maintain existing gamemanagement facilities, including fences, gates, water units, feeding sites, restrooms,
storage buildings, and hunter checking stations. $30,000 (50% WRF)
7. Provide air logistical support to conducts surveys, operations and maintenance of theKaua‘i game management program. $20,000 (50% WRF)
8. Provide new hunter access routes to several hunting units. Procure to hire a consultant
to assist DOFAW on the Environmental Assessment. $60,000 (50% WRF).

10

11

O‘AHU BRANCH
Game Management on Oʻahu
Objectives: To maintain and enhance wildlife habitat and facilities on O‘ahu public
hunting areas (PHA’s), GMA’s, and wildlife sanctuaries; and to improve game bird andgame mammal hunting opportunities on Oʻahu.
Accomplishments: Funding was used to provide gamebirds and manage habitat for
gamebird hunting on Oʻahu; specific activities as follows:
•
•
•
•
•

Spread 1500 pounds of wild bird feed on in the Kuaoakalā GMA during the
gamebird hunting season (November 2016 to January 2017) to attract birds into thehunting area and provide supplemental feed for released gamebirds.
Released 25 Ring-necked pheasants donated from Nonokio Farms.
Assisted in logistics to support Kauaʻi District Gamebird Release Program.
Constructed brooding and fly pens for Ring-necked Pheasant Propagation Project.
Imported and currently raising 200 Ring-necked pheasants and 100 Melanistic Blue
Mutant pheasants for release during 2017-18 gamebird season. Gamebirds are raised
and maintained by volunteers.

Research Project: Feral Pig Distribution Model
Objectives: Ecological modeling of optimal pig management strategies for hunting andconservation purposes on O‘ahu.
Accomplishments: a survey technique using
camera traps was developed to create a modelof feral pig distribution and impact on Oʻahu.
The model uses count data of pig abundance,collected at randomized sites via standardized
survey protocols using camera traps. The data
will be analyzed upon completion of the study.
This study has only been partially funded by
WRF and it is conducted in collaboration with
University of Hawai‘i.
Total WRF expenditures incurred for O‘ahu: Operating $23,727.98
Future Program Plans
1. Restore revenue from the sale of hunting tags, stamps, and fees and fill vacant
WRF General Laborer position on O‘ahu Branch.
2. Fund a WRF Wildlife Technician to perform tasks targeted towards ongoing
management of O‘ahu District wildlife management areas. This position willassist the Game Management Biologist in field operations-$75,000 (100% WRF).
3. Purchase equipment and supplies needed for ongoing Operations & Maintenancein O‘ahu Wildlife Management Areas - $15,000 (100% WRF).
4. Through partnerships with the University of Hawai‘i, fund graduate level research
to understanding the socio-economic impacts of Hawai‘i Hunters.

12

13

MAUI BRANCH
Lease of Cooperative Game Management Area (CGMA) - Lānaʻi
Objective: Provide 30,000 acres of land on Lānaʻi for sport hunting and wildlife
management.
Accomplishment: The annual lease rental for the Lānaʻi CGMA was paid via WRF
monies. This area provided hunters the opportunity to pursue Axis deer, Mouflon sheep,
and a variety of game birds.
Game Mammal Aerial Survey
Objective: Annual game mammal surveys of the Lānaʻi CGMA and private portions of
Lānaʻi Island. Staff from Maui led the survey effort for both the fall and spring surveys.
Associated costs for the spring survey only included staff travel.
Accomplishments: An aerial survey of the Lānaʻi CGMA and the Pūlama Lānaʻi hunting
area was conducted on September 15-16, 2016. The spring survey was conducted on
March 8-9, 2017.
Within the Lānaʻi CGMA, a total of 860 Axis deer were counted on the fall survey
resulting in an estimated population of 2,313 animals. A total of 519 Mouflon sheep werecounted, bringing the estimated population to 1,396 animals.
Within the Pūlama Lānaʻi hunting area, a total of 1,010 Axis deer were counted,
bringing the estimated population to 2,717 animals. A total of 124 Mouflon sheep werecounted on the fall survey, resulting in an estimated population of 334 animals.
Surveys conducted on the state managed portion of Lānaʻi are used in part for setting
upcoming bag limits.
Personnel Expenses
Objective: Hire a Forestry and Wildlife Worker II on Lānaʻi to assist the Lānaʻi Forestry
and Wildlife Technician with the upkeep and maintenance of 30 miles of water unit
pipeline, 25 water units, a multitude of signs and 54 miles of access roads in the
Cooperative Game Management Area. The Forestry and Wildlife Worker II would assist
with habitat management, game bird and game mammal surveys, enclosure maintenance,and predator control. Hunting activities and hunter check in on Lānaʻi occurs after normal
operating hours. Overtime is paid to the Lānaʻi technician to accommodate hunters.
Accomplishment: Funding for the Forestry and Wildlife Worker II position is fundedthrough the Wildlife Revolving Fund. This position allows facilities and field operationson Lānaʻi to be properly maintained, serviced and free of any major problems. Overtime
costs for both the Mouflon and Axis deer hunts were approved, allowing check in of
hunters to be completed in a timely manner.
Management of the Lottery Hunts - Lānaʻi
Objective: The processing and printing of documents for the Axis deer and Mouflon
sheep hunts on Lānaʻi. Shipment of instruction sheets and applications for the two hunts
to the outer districts. Cost associated with online applications for both hunts are a recent

14addition to managing the hunts. A conference room is needed to conduct andaccommodate the public for the Axis deer and Mouflon sheep lottery. Due to staff
shortages on Maui, personnel from the outer districts were requested to assist in bothlotteries.
Accomplishment: Application cards, instruction sheets, and addendums were printed anddistributed to all districts and lotteries conducted. Approximately 40% of applicants
applied online for both hunts, resulting in service fees being paid to the contractor of theonline program. A conference room was rented to conduct and accommodate the public
for the Axis deer and Mouflon sheep lottery. Staff from the outer districts assisted in the
conducting of the lottery for both hunts.
Game Mammal Facilities Operations & Maintenance - Lānaʻi
Objective: Rental of dumpster(s) during the Axis deer and Mouflon sheep seasons forhunters to dispose of carcasses. Materials required for the hunting program to functionneeded to be purchased.
Accomplishment: Two (2) dumpsters were rented for each of the two (2) hunts. This
provided the hunting community with the facilities to dispose of animal carcasses.
Three (3) new signs were installed at the access points to the hunting area. Signs
depicted maps of the hunting area, including roads, boundaries and other miscellaneous
information. Vehicle repairs were also charged to this fund. Axis deer tags werepurchased during this period.
Total WRF expenditures for Maui District was $168,644.14 with open claims and acontract (See Attachment II; Table 2).
Current and Future Program Plans
1. Fund Rental of Lease on Lānaʻi - $35,000.00 (100%WRF)
2. Fund Lānaʻi Check Station overtime for FWT V position-$5,000.00 (100% WRF)
3. Fund FWW II position on Lānaʻi for facility upkeep and maintenance-$60,000.00(100% WRF)
4. Fund game mammal facilities development and operation & maintenance on Lānaʻi$75,000.00 (100% WRF)
5. Fund game mammal surveys on Lānaʻi -$15,000.00 (100% WRF)
6. Fund Management of Lottery Hunts on Lānaʻi; document printing, data input anddrawings-$15,000.00 (100% WRF)
7. Fund clerk position for Lānaʻi Check Station-$25,000.00 (100% WRF)
8. Habitat remediation and enhancement - $25,000 (100% WRF)

15

16

WEST HAWAI‘I DISTRICT
Game Operations and MaintenanceObjective: Conduct predator control activities; maintain game related facilities such as
guzzlers; increase road maintenance and habitat management capacity for the West
Hawai‘i District, while maintaining more than 60 miles of hunter access roads.
Accomplishment: All operations and maintenance activities were accomplished without
use of WRF monies.
Game Program Coordination
Objective: The District staff assisted Sports Authority, Wal-Mart and other vendors inKona with hunting license sales and training (these being the only outlets for the public topurchase hunting licenses in Kona other than the DOFAW office 40 miles away in
Kamuela).
Accomplishment: The District’s secretary assisted with training of vendors in KailuaKona store staff in hunting license sales. During anticipated increase in hunting license
sales traffic at these establishments, the Secretary assisted with license sales anddissemination of information pertinent to the upcoming seasons.
Temporary Hire of ½-Time General Laborer (GL)
Objective: To assist the District’s wildlife staff in the operations and maintenance of
projects and to provide predator control at various locations.
Accomplishment: A part-time GL I position was paid for out of this special fund, andassisted in predator control, trapping of mongooses, feral cats, and feral dogs, maintainedwater units and water supply facilities, and assisted with invasive plant control. The GL
removed 127 mongoose and 37 feral cats during FY 17.
Research Project: sheep survival rates, population demographics, and habitat us
Objective: Estimate sheep survival rates, population demographics, and habitat use in thePu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve and the Pu‘u Anahulu Game Management Area.
Accomplishment: In September 2016 we began research on the mouflon sheep within thePu‘u Wa‘awa‘a (PWW) and Pu‘u Anahulu (PAH) game management areas south of thebelt road. Captures were conducted by helicopter over PAH and ground captures in theranch area of PWW. We sampled blood (for pregnancy and trace mineral content),
estimated age, measured rump fat, and recorded various morphometric measurements on
80 individuals. A total of 24 GPS collars and 16 VHF collars were placed on a randomly
selected subset of adults prior to their release at point of capture. These collars would
provide information on movement, space-use, and survival. Ear tags were placed on eachindividual to facilitate identification and in anticipation of estimating population size
through mark-recapture. This research project is funded by Pittman- Robertson grant.

17However, in order to gather more accurate data, the sample size of GPS collared animals
needed to be increased. Using the WRF, additional GPS collars have now been purchased
and plans to deploy the collars are underway. The data will be analyzed upon completionof the study.
Total WRF expenditures for West Hawai‘i District was $41,319.66 with open claims (SeeAttachment II; Table 2).
Future Program Plans
1. Purchase and maintain equipment and vehicles, and construct facilities, as funds
allow. $35,000
2. Provide for the administrative costs, such as printing and publishing of game tags,
permits, announcements of hunting seasons and additions of new hunting areas.
$10,000
3. Improve game habitat projects in GMAs and appropriate areas by installing water
units, food plots and improving cover. $50,000
4. Continue part-time General Laborer I position.
5. Fund a full-time Wildlife Biologist III position. $55,000
EAST HAWAI‘I DISTRICT
General Laborer Position:
Objectives: Pursue duties pertaining to Hilo watershed wild cattle control, hunterchecking stations, and nēnē habitat renewal.
Accomplishments: Half-time general labor position was filled for two months. Work
accomplished involved checking station repair and maintenance; sign, road and fence
maintenance for special “wild cattle control” hunt.
Commissions on Hunting License Sales:
Objective: To maintain a network of hunting license vendors on the island of Hawai‘i forsales of the 2016-2017 Hawai‘i hunting licenses.
Accomplishment: Hunting licenses were sold at various vendor locations, providing
convenience to public hunters.
Game Operations and Maintenance:
Objective: Conduct predator control activities, the maintenance of game-related facilities
such as guzzlers and maintenance of hunter access roads.
Accomplishment: All operations and maintenance activities were accomplished without
use of WRF monies. WRF monies were used to pay utility bills, supporting theadministrative side of the game program.
Total WRF Expenditure for East Hawai‘i District: Operating $23,354.90
Personnel $9,560.37

18

Future Program Plans
1. Replace boundary and safety zone signs in hunting areas.
2. Weed control and habitat improvements in public hunting areas.
3. Check station, roads, trails and water unit maintenance in public hunting areas.
STATEWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SEGMENT
Hunting License, Wildlife Conservation Stamp, and Game Bird Stamp Production,
Program Sales, and Management:
Objective: To produce and distribute required hunting licenses over the counter andonline (electronic license), duplicate licenses, conservation stamps, gamebird stamps,
tags and vendor booklets. A portion of the production costs were paid with WRF monies.
Manage and monitor the Wildlife Revolving fund throughout the fiscal year to ensure all
obligations are meet.
Accomplishment: Produced and distributed vendor booklets, hunting licenses, web-based
electronic hunting license system training, developed on-line non-resident exemption
form, conservation stamps, game bird stamps, tags and duplicate hunting licenses. All
hunting related materials for new hunting season were updated for public use.

Art Contest Winner- 2018 Conservation Stamp

19

Art Contest Winner- 2018 Game Bird Stamp
Notification of Hunting Season Openings and Changes:
Objective: Communicate any changes in hunting seasons, and announce new or special
hunting opportunities as required by state rules.
Accomplishment: Several legal notices announcing new animal control opportunities forhunters were produced and a series of announcements and news releases were producedfor hunting seasons.
Implementation of communication strategies to improve hunter recruitment and retention:
Objective: 1) Write, publish and distribute quarterly informational newsletter; 2) Createa listserv (email list) for all hunting enthusiasts that would like to receive hunting relatedannouncements, updates and newsletter; 3) Update/improve the hunting section of the
DOFAW website.
Accomplishment: The quarterly informational newsletter was published in March andJune 2017. The Go Hunt Hawai‘i newsletter is an informational newsletter to connect
hunters and DOFAW resource managers. This newsletter is now available online on the
DOFAW website.
A listserv was created where all interested parties could sign in with their names andemail address and receive up-to-date hunting related news, announcements and our
newsletter. There are now over 400 people signed up on this mailing list. Signup sheets
are also available online (see DOFAW website) and at all district offices and at every
hunter education class.
Finally, the hunting page on DOFAW website has been improved. For more information
see dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/20

Go Hunt Hawai‘i Newsletter (March 2017).

Go Hunt Hawai‘i Newsletter (June 2017)21

Public engagement in game management
Objective: 1) Creation of an annual hunting informational survey to assist in improving
management in public hunting areas in the state of Hawai‘i.
Accomplishment: An informational survey was created and is now available online forhunters (see dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/).
Hunting license sales coordination
Objective: The clerical staff assisted vendors such as Walmart and Island Archer withhunting license sales, payments and collection of funds.
Accomplishment: During anticipated increase in hunting license sales traffic at theseestablishments, the clerical staff assisted with license sales and dissemination of
information pertinent with upcoming seasons.
Total WRF Expenditure for Oʻahu Administration: Operating
Personnel$33,406.66$11,561.97

Statewide Game Land Access and Acquisition
DOFAW manages over 1,000,000 acres of state land for wildlife-dependent recreationand conservation, and demand is growing for public hunting on these public lands.
However, over half of all land in Hawai‘i is privately owned and private landowners, aswell as other public landowners, sometimes block public access to portions of the
DOFAW lands that are designated for public hunting. In order to expand opportunities
for public hunting and other wildlife-dependent public uses, it is imperative that DOFAW(1) sustain and optimize public use of areas that are already accessible; (2) establish
public access to areas that are not accessible; and (3) acquire new land for public use. If
DOFAW does not satisfy the growing demand for access to public hunting areas, and if
hunting pressure is not applied across a larger landscape, then game animals may become
scarce in some existing hunting areas, and will cause increasing amounts of damage on
inaccessible public and private lands. This could lead to a decline in the ability ofhunters to manage ungulate populations, and hunter safety and satisfaction may becompromised due to the lack of adequate space for hunting activities.
Revenue from the sales of hunting licenses and other related hunting materials are
eligible to support the Access and Acquisition program, and hunters overwhelmingly
support use of WRF revenue for this purpose. To date, these actions have been fundedprimarily through capital improvement funds, Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid to Wildlife
grant funds and other related grants, but increased emphasis should be focused on hunter
and wildlife access, and WRF monies considered for this purpose.
Future Program Plans
1. Produce and distribute hunting licenses, stamps, and vendor booklets.
2. Utilize revenue from the sale of hunting tags, stamps, and fees to support thestatewide game program.
3. Publish notification of game bird and game mammal hunting season announcements
and Go Hunt Hawai‘i newsletter.

22

4. Maintain existing leases, licenses, and other access agreements that provide hunter
access to non-DOFAW controlled hunting lands.
5. Acquire fee title or access easements for lands that provide opportunities for public
hunting, public recreation, and wildlife management.

23

ATTACHMENT I. WILDLIFE REVOLVING FUND EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES
1. Development, improvement and management of public hunting and gamemanagement facilities including installing or maintaining hunter access roads,
check-stations, fences, gates, stiles, cattle guards, entry/safety/boundary signs andmarkers, parking lots, sanitary facilities, water tanks, and campsites.
2. Sanctuary facilities including fences, moats, water control structures, pumps,
ditches, nesting sites, holding pens, boardwalks, viewing kiosks, water devices,
parking lots, sanitary facilities and entry and interpretive signs.
3. Wildlife habitat improvements including game bird and mammal watering units,
food plots, vegetation clearing and mowing, non-game/endangered species
enclosures/exclosures, noxious weed control, mowing and nest sites; and wildlife
predator control, water quality testing and rehabilitation.
4. Personnel hires for wildlife management and hunter education including Wildlife
Management Assistants and General Laborers (for hunter check station operation,
public hunting area management, pest plant control, predator control, habitat
development, and posting signs and markers) computer technicians (for public
hunting lotteries) and hunter education specialists.
5. Wildlife management equipment including tractors, bulldozers, all-terrain
vehicles, firearms, radios, outboard motors, small boats, binoculars, trucks andfour-wheel drive vehicles.
6. Development and operation of public shooting ranges in conjunction with the
Hunter Education Program.
7. Research, surveys, and inventories for game and non-game endangered species,
including rental of helicopters, infrared technology, temporary hires, equipment
rental, materials and supplies, and contracts for studies (game birds, forest birds,
water birds, seabirds, Hawaiian bat, owls, disease, genetics, food habits,
ungulates, limiting factors, etc.)
8. Public education on wildlife management including development of the“Wilderness Watch” program, providing maps and area informational leaflets,interpretative facilities, at game management areas and wildlife sanctuaries, andtechnical assistance to the public on wildlife management.
9. Rental of land for public hunting and wildlife management.
10. Law enforcement.

24

11.
Table 1. Fee schedule for hunting licenses, wildlife conservation stamps, applications,permits, and tags for special lottery or hunts.
IslandItem

Resident

All islands
statewide

Hunting License*
Wildlife Conservation Stamp
Black Tailed Deer Hunts
Rifle Tag Application
Rifle Tag
Muzzleloader Permit Tag
Archery Permit Tag
Feral Goat Hunts
Rifle Lottery Tag Application (Unit B)
Rifle Lottery Tags (Unit B)
Muzzleloader Permit Tags (Unit A & F)
Annual Archery Permit (Unit G, F & K)
Feral Pig Hunts
Season Permit
Special Hunts
Application
Goat/Deer/Pig Permit (Unit E & H)
Goat/Pig Animal Control (Unit G)
Mouflon sheep season lottery Application
Mouflon sheep season tag
Axis Deer season lottery application
Axis Deer season tag
Puʻu Waʻawaʻa feral sheep or goat tagPuʻuanahulu feral sheep or goat tag

$10
$10
$5

Nonresident
$95
$10
$5

$10
$5
$5
$5

$25
$25
$25
$10

$10
$10
$5
$5

$25
$25
$25
$25

$5

$5

$10
$10
$10
$20
$10
$20
$10
$10

$25
$25
$10
$125
$10
$125
$25
$25

KauaʻiLānaʻi

Hawai‘i*Free to all Hawai‘i residents 65 years or older and to all persons with Hansen’s disease
who are residents of Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi

25

ATTACHMENT II. WRF EXPENDITURES
Table 2. WRF expenditures: operating, personnel, claims and contract per district. The
numbers between the parenthesis show the amount of the claim that has already been
expended and is included in the operating costs.
Oahu Administration Expenditures & Claims
Maui
Operating$
33,406.66 Operating
Personnel$
11,561.97 Personnel
Claims$ClaimsContracts$
Contracts
Total$
44,968.63 Total

Expenditures & Claims$
44,428.15$
2,008.12$ 42,166.85 ($23,483.2)$
5,000.00$
51,436.27

Oahu
Operating
Personnel
ClaimsContracts
Total
West Hawaii
Operating
Personnel
ClaimsContracts
Total
East Hawaii
Operating
Personnel
ClaimsContracts
Total

26

$
$
$
$
$

Molokai
23,727.98 Operating
Personnel
ClaimsContracts
23,727.98 Total

$
$
$
$
$

457.45457.45

$
$
$
$
$

Lanai
11,021.76 Operating
30,297.90 Personnel
20,770.00 Claims
Contracts
62,089.66 Total

$
$
$
$
$

58,577.33
63,173.09
14,774.2 ($10,995.22)
121,750.42

$
$
$
$
$

Kauai
23,354.90 Operating
9,560.37 Personnel
ClaimsContracts
32,915.27 Total

$
$
$
$
$

30,426.62
53,124.04
83,550.66