Hawaii Senate Bill SR213

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 adopted, SR213 would influence the state’s wildlife management policies by reinforcing the connection between sustainable hunting and ecological health. The Department of Land and Natural Resources would be tasked with formulating a plan that prioritizes humane population control methods. This reflects a growing concern among legislators and conservationists regarding the methods used for controlling wildlife numbers, particularly in sensitive ecosystem areas.

Summary

Senate Resolution 213 (SR213) urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt a game management plan that emphasizes ethical means of controlling game populations. This resolution comes amid ongoing discussions about the balance between sustainable hunting practices and wildlife management. Key to this resolution is the acknowledgment of Act 315 from 2022, which outlined the role of game animals in food security while highlighting the necessity of adequate habitats to support viable populations.

Contention

While many stakeholders may support the ethical consideration in wildlife management, there are likely points of contention regarding the practicality of implementing such a plan. Critics might argue that focusing solely on ethical means could complicate existing management practices. Furthermore, there is tension between hunters who may advocate for more extensive control measures versus conservationists who prioritize ecological integrity and humane treatment of animals.