MEDIA RELEASE

DLNR announces availability of feral goat control permits for Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve–makai section

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is issuing goat control permits for the makai portion of the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve on the island of Hawai‘i.

Makai goat control will be conducted on weekends, starting September 11, 2010 and ending October 3, 2010. Because of safety and fire risk concerns the program will be limited to archery and a maximum of 50 permit holders will be allowed per day. There will be no limit on the number of goats taken, and deboning will be allowed.

Control permits will be assigned by call-ins at Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Kamuela at (808) 887-6063, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on August 25 for ONLY the first weekend. A maximum of four permit holders will be allowed per call. Standbys are allowed after 8 a.m. for absent permit holders. After the first weekend, permits can be picked up, first come first serve, at the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a hunter check station from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. on control days. A valid hunting license is required to apply for a permit.

Permit holders should check in at the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a check station starting at 5 a.m. and must check out by 7 p.m., at which time gates will be locked.

To report game violators, call 1-800-643-DLNR (-3567). To report wildfires, call 911.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Offices in Hilo at (808) 974-4221 or in Kamuela at (808) 887-6063.