Hawaii House Bill HCR200

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/11/25
• Report Pass: 4/16/25
• Engrossed: 4/17/25
• Passed: 5/2/25

Caption

Urging The State Department Of Agriculture And The Department Of Agriculture Of The County Of Maui To Take Further Meaningful Action To Address The Axis Deer Overpopulation.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution seeks to facilitate the accessibility, capability, and affordability of USDA-certified meat inspections and processing for local hunters. Recognizing the barriers created by stringent USDA requirements, the resolution calls for an increase in certified inspectors, which is expected to lower costs and make locally-hunted meat more available and safer for community consumption. The potential for integrating successfully managed local hunting programs into the community’s food supply could have significant positive effects on local agriculture and sustainability efforts in Hawaii.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 200 (HCR200) urges the State Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture of the County of Maui to take actionable steps to address the overpopulation of axis deer on the island of Maui. The resolution highlights the ecological issues presented by this overpopulation, such as the overgrazing of native plants, which can exacerbate erosion and increase fire and flood risks. The resolution emphasizes the potential benefits of controlling the deer population by promoting the hunting and distribution of locally-sourced venison, which serves as both a food source and an ecological management strategy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR200 appears generally positive among those advocating for local agriculture and sustainability measures. Supporters view this resolution as a proactive approach to managing wildlife populations in a way that benefits the community. However, there may be points of contention involving the regulation of hunting practices, animal welfare concerns, and the challenges associated with implementing effective inspection systems. These debates reflect broader discussions regarding how best to balance ecological management with community needs.

Contention

A notable point of contention could arise over how the resolution seeks to empower local hunters and the implications this has on wildlife management practices. The resolution calls for the establishment of a joint task force, which may face challenges in effectively coordinating with various stakeholders, including local government, the agricultural community, and federal agencies. Furthermore, the resolution’s call for increased USDA-certified inspections could generate debate regarding the balance of federal regulations versus local autonomy in managing agricultural and wildlife issues.