9/22/25 – COORDINATED HUNT REDUCES FERAL ANIMAL POPULATION IN KALALAU VALLEY

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON COORDINATED H UNT R EDUCES FERAL ANIMAL POPULATION IN KALALAU VALLEY LīHUʻE, KAUAʻI – A successful coordinated animal control operation in Kalalau Valley earlier this month has removed 10 pigs and 12 goats from the rugged, heavily impacted area. The hunt was conducted September 9–10 by a team of permitted hunters working with staff from DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and the Division of State Parks (DSP). Kalalau Valley has long struggled with populations of feral pigs and goats, which damage native plants, cause erosion and create public health and safety concerns for campers and hikers. State staff and community partners collaborated in this operation to reduce animal numbers and address ongoing impacts. The operation began the morning of September 9 when DOCARE officers swept the campground, checked permits and advised campers to leave the valley for safety reasons. After a safety briefing, hunting teams consolidated into two groups to cover both sides of the valley. DOCARE officers also set up a monitoring post at Red Hill to prevent illegal entry. Over two days, hunters removed 22 animals. Hunters noted that the number of pigs present was lower than some
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