Hilo, Hawaii — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has announced the temporary closure of several areas on Mauna Kea for animal control activities, including the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Palila Mitigation Lands, and Kaohe Game Management Area. The closures will facilitate the control of feral goats, sheep, and mouflon hybrids through staff hunting and aerial shooting operations.

The animal control efforts, scheduled for February 11-12, 2025, are aimed at removing these animals from critical habitat areas for the palila, a bird species endemic to Hawaii. This action is in compliance with a federal court order.

Public Access and Permit Information

During the control operations, public access to the affected areas will be restricted. Access will only be allowed by permit for those participating in animal salvage activities. The Mauna Kea Observatory Road will remain open.

Permits for salvage purposes will be issued via telephone call-ins to the DOFAW Hilo Office. The call-in period will begin at 9 a.m. on February 4, 2025, and continue until 10 a.m. the day before each scheduled shoot. Each permit is valid for one vehicle per day, with a maximum of 15 vehicles permitted at each salvage location.

Salvage Operations Details

Salvage operations will occur at two locations:

• February 11, 2025: Puu Mali, with permittees meeting at 6 a.m. across from the Waimea Veterinary office on Mana Road.
• February 12, 2025: Puu Ahumoa, with permittees meeting at 7 a.m. at the Kilohana check-in station.

Participants are required to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and there is no guarantee that salvaged animals will be available.

Safety Measures and Area Closures

To ensure safety, gates at Hale Pohaku, Kilohana, Puu Koohi, and behind Gil Kahele State Recreation Area will be locked at 8 p.m. on February 10, 2025, and reopened at 7 p.m. on February 12, 2025.

Further Information

For additional details regarding salvage permits and access, contact the Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Hilo at (808) 974-4221. Maps illustrating the areas subject to aerial shooting are available at the DOFAW office.