Law eases visitor access to hunting

Three- and seven-day licenses will allow shooting on preserves

It will be easier for visitors to hunt in Hawaii under new legislation signed into law by Gov. Linda Lingle.

House Bill 249 allows visitors to get a three- or seven-day hunting license for shooting on a private or commercial shooting preserve.

The bill was needed because the existing law required all hunters to take a state-approved hunter education program before getting a hunting license.

The new law would require visiting hunters to go out with a state licensed hunting guide.

Also, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will set fees for private and commercial shooting preserves.

The bill was supported by the Hawaii Rifle Association, Outrigger Enterprises Inc., Parker Ranch and Palawai Outfitters.

Palawai Outfitters, a bird hunting company managed by Castle & Cooke on Lanai, offers hunting tours that target sheep, birds and deer.

The bill was opposed by the Conservation Council for Hawaii and Animal Rights Hawaii.

The tourist hunting licenses will cost $50 for a three-day license and $95 for a seven-day period.

Hawaii hunting licenses are $10 for anyone who has been a Hawaii resident for one year or more or a member of the armed forces. Licenses are free for residents 65 or older or people with Hansen's disease who are residents of Kalaupapa, according to state law.