What's Being Discussed

This is the 25th meeting of the Game Management Advisory Commission (GMAC), a state body that advises on hunting and wildlife management in Hawaiʻi. The meeting covers updates and concerns from commissioners representing several islands:

• Kauai: A science-based project to model game animal populations, estimate how many animals each area can support, and set management goals. Also, discussions on the health and safety of hunting dogs, and volunteer efforts to maintain remote campsites in public hunting areas.
• Maui: Hunter concerns, field reports, and a wildlife management review.
• Oahu: Updates on a proposed fencing project in the Kuliouou-Wailupe Valleys in the Koʻolau mountains. Also, a discussion on setting a regular meeting schedule for GMAC in 2027.
• East Hawaii, Lanai, Molokai, and Member at Large: Open time for hunter concerns, field reports, and new business from each area.
• Statewide: A general update on game program activities from DLNR staff.

Decisions Expected

• Approve minutes from the March 25, 2026 meeting.
• Vote on which state hunting area on Kauai will be selected to pilot the new population modeling project.
• Vote on forming a working group (called a Permitted Interaction Group) to help lead the Kauai research project and decide who would participate.
• Vote on how often GMAC will meet in 2027 — options include quarterly, every other month, or every six months.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Hunters and hunting dog owners across all Hawaiian islands
• Residents near public hunting areas, especially on Kauai and Oahu
• Wildlife and conservation advocates interested in game animal management
• Volunteers involved in maintaining public hunting area campsites