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Posted: Friday, June 22nd, 2012 8:29 AM HST

Governor signs Axis Deer Bill

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Governor Neil Abercrombie has signed Senate Bill 3001 into law, which prohibits possessing feral deer or releasing them into the wild. The so-called Axis deer have thrived on Maui, Molokai and Lanai, where they have caused an estimated $1 million in damage to farms, ranches and tourist areas. And they have recently caused damage to ranch grasslands, farm crops and plants that are vital to maintaining Big Island watershed areas. Senator Gil Kahele, who introduced the measure, said it is imperative that Hawai`i’s environment and local industry be protected from the devastating effects that non-native species can pose to the health of our local economy and eco-system. “This law will send a clear message to those that attempt to transport axis deer to Hawai`i Island that this administration, the legislature and the residents of our state will not tolerate that conduct,” Kahele said. The new law aims to stop the deliberate spread of wild or feral deer and establishes penalties for the intentional possession, inter island transportation or release of wild or feral deer.