Ban on shooting animals from the air

(a) The County of Hawai‘i is charged with the ultimate responsibility to protect, preserve, and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Hawai‘i Island. With regard to the bond between the people and the land, the County of Hawai‘i hereby finds: (1) Animal eradication by aerial shooting is in conflict with the cultural and traditional values of the people of Hawai‘i County; (2) Aerial hunting eradication creates unnecessary risk to human life, while also disturbing endangered flora and fauna; and (3) Animal population control measures can be performed in a manner that is harmonious with the culture, values, and principles of the people. (b) The purpose of this article is to declare: (1) Animal eradication by aerial shooting on Hawai‘i Island shall no longer be practiced; SUPP. 3 (1-2018) 14-46 GENERAL WELFARE § 14-111 (2) The State of Hawai‘i should conform and comply with the provisions of this article; (3) Other methods of animal population control must be used. Any such method to be enacted will take in to account the will of the people, which requires effective communication and a concerted effort to remain linked to the people that take responsibility for the land and its resources; and (4) The State of Hawai‘i should increase public access to the areas of Hawai‘i Island that will allow hunters and gatherers the opportunity to provide subsistence to the families of Hawai‘i Island. Valuable food resources should be consumed rather than wasted. (2012, ord 12-109, sec 2.)14-111