Adaptive Management Rule Changes Proposed for Hawaii Island Hunting
Summary
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is extending previously approved adaptive management rule changes for game bird and game mammal hunting on Hawaii Island. A proposed adaptive management rule change will be submitted for Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration at the board's May 08, 2026 meeting. Tagged hunts conducted under the previous adaptive management rules expired March 18, 2026, and all hunts temporarily revert to standard rules in HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals) until further board action. Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase hunting tags in person after the March 18, 2026 expiration date.
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What changed
DOFAW is seeking Board of Land and Natural Resources approval for an extended adaptive management rule change for Hawaii Island hunting at the May 08, 2026 meeting. The previous adaptive management authority expired March 18, 2026, temporarily reverting hunts to standard exhibit rules under HAR Chapter 13-122 and HAR Chapter 13-123. Hunters should purchase tags in person after March 18, 2026, and monitor for board action. The proposed rule change is available via the linked Exhibit View Notice (AMRC-2026-3) on the DLNR website.
Hawaii Island hunters and hunting guides should review the standard exhibit rules (Exhibit 1 for game birds, Exhibit 11 for game mammals) during this transitional period, as all hunts operate under standard rules pending BLNR approval of the new adaptive management framework. Contact the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221 for questions.
Archived snapshot
Apr 22, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home » Latest Department News, Newsroom » DLNR News Release – ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT RULE CHANGES FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND
DLNR News Release – ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT RULE CHANGES FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND
Posted on Apr 20, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA
RYAN KANAKA‘OLE
ACTING CHAIRPERSON
ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT RULE CHANGES FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND
Updates to Hawaiʻi Island Game Bird and Game Mammal Hunting Rules
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2026
HILO, HAWAIʻI — The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) offers the following information about upcoming changes to hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island related to adaptive management authority for game birds and game mammals.
DOFAW has been working to extend the previously approved adaptive management rule changes for Hawaiʻi Island and plans to submit a proposed adaptive management rule change for consideration by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) at its May 08, 2026, meeting.
Tagged hunts conducted under the previous adaptive management rules will continue through the expiration date of March 18, 2026. Upon expiration and until further board action, all hunts will temporarily revert to the standard rules and exhibits currently listed in Exhibit 1 of HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds), and Exhibit 11 of HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals).
Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase their hunting tags in person after the March 18, 2026, expiration date. Please review current regulations carefully and stay informed as the board meeting approaches.
DOFAW appreciates the patience and cooperation of Hawaiʻi’s hunting community and enforcement partners during this transitional period. Officers and members of the public who have questions are encouraged to contact DOFAW directly for assistance.
For detailed information on these measures, please visit the DOFAW website or contact the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221.
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