Report Title:

Animal Control; Axis Deer; Maui County

Description:

Appropriates funds to develop a master plan to control the Axis Deer population on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. (HB158 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

158

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the control of axis deer in maui county.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. In the early 1900s, the axis deer population was causing grave damage to the forests and grasslands on the island of Molokai. After the axis deer were introduced to the islands of Lanai and Maui, concerns for damage to watersheds and agricultural crops have steadily mounted. In addition, public safety has been and continues to be a concern as both human and deer populations continue to rise. Without a comprehensive strategy to manage deer growth, the negative economic and environmental impacts of the axis deer and concerns for public safety will continue to increase. Currently, there are no government agencies developing a comprehensive management plan to control or eliminate the axis deer population on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to develop a master plan to control the axis deer population on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 for the development of a master plan to control the axis deer population on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.