Posted on: Saturday, February 16, 2002

Makiki-Tantalus open to pig hunting

Advertiser staff

In an effort to control wild pigs, hunters with special permits will be allowed to hunt pigs with knives and dogs in the Honolulu Mauka Trail System during a three-month period starting April 2, according to the state's Department of Land of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

The normally off-limits hunting area is being opened because of recent damage caused by the feral pigs to the trail system and surrounding areas.

The Honolulu Mauka Trail System spans the Makiki-Tantalus area across Manoa Valley to Wa'ahila Ridge and is normally off-limits for hunting due to a high amount of public use.

Hunting for feral pigs will be allowed by permit on Tuesdays and Thursdays only from sunrise to 11 a.m. The season will run from April 2 through June 27. Permit applications and maps may be obtained at the O'ahu Division of Forestry and Wildlife office at 2135 Makiki Heights Drive. All permit applications must be received by 3:30 p.m. March 15.

Hunts will be awarded either by lottery or rotation, based on the number of applications received.

Hunting groups of up to five individuals will be able to obtain a temporary wildlife control permit to hunt these areas.

All those included on the permit must be able to provide a valid state hunting license and identification. Hunting will be limited to one pig per licensed hunter per day. Firearms or bow and arrows will not be allowed. For more information, call 973-9779.