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Posted: Friday, June 8th, 2012 9:04 AM HST

Proposed Gaming Advisory Panel advances

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

The Hawai`i County Council has given the first of three required approvals to a proposed charter amendment that would put the question of creating a Game Management Advisory Commission before voters in November. The commission would advise government agencies on matters relating to substinence, hunting, fishing and the protection of traditional and cultural gathering rights. Palikapu Dedman of the Big Island Rainforest Action Group called Wednesday’s 8-0 vote historic. “I think these bills are historical for the County to get an advisory on fish and game and to stop aerial shooting,” Dedman said. “It’s history being made today and I’m really happy to be part of it.” The council also approved a bill to outlaw killing any animal for any reason from a helicopter, plane or any other similar means. Public comments were generally in favor of the ban, although a minority of opponents say aerial shooting is a necessary tool to control the ungulate population and prevent an explosion of axis deer. Content for this report was provided by Big Island Video News.