Hawaii Senate Bill SCR237

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The Department Of Natural Resources To Adopt A Game Management Plan That Incorporates Ethical Means Of Game Population Control Into Sustainability Strategies.

Impact

If enacted, SCR237 would guide the DLNR to incorporate humane and ethical strategies into its game management plans, thereby potentially transforming current practices that are deemed inhumane. The legislation establishes a framework for controlling game populations while simultaneously promoting public hunting and local food security by ensuring sustainable hunting practices that do not negatively affect wildlife habitats. This could lead to a higher quality of habitats that support viable game populations, further emphasizing the balance between hunting and ecosystem preservation.

Summary

SCR237 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Hawaii to adopt a game management plan that emphasizes ethical means of game population control as part of its sustainability strategies. This resolution follows concerns regarding the management of game populations in relation to their impact on sensitive watershed areas, with the intention of preventing unethical practices that might arise in controlling such populations. The resolution is supported by the recognition that hunting and humane means can effectively manage game populations while also benefiting local ecosystems.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SCR237 lies in the concerns expressed about the Department's current methods of population control, which may include both ethical and inhumane practices. Advocates for ethical wildlife management argue that reliance on humane control methods is crucial for maintaining ecological integrity and respecting animal welfare. The resolution also highlights a legislative push towards more comprehensive strategies in managing natural resources, which could impact future discussions and policies surrounding wildlife conservation and hunting regulations in Hawaii.