Big Island Hunting Rules Revert to Standard Regulations After Adaptive Rules Expire

Hunters heading into Puʻu Anahulu, Puʻu Waʻawaʻa, and the Spring Turkey Season on Hawaiʻi Island are now operating under a different set of rules than they used last weekend, after two years of adaptive management regulations quietly expired and a state board meeting that could have extended them fell through before it even started.

The adaptive rules, which included adjustments to season lengths, bag limits, and tag requirements for several hunting areas on Hawaiʻi Island, took effect March 18, 2024, and were scheduled to expire March 18, 2026. When that deadline arrived, no replacement was in place. Hunting on Hawaiʻi Island for all hunts has now temporarily reverted to the standard rules under Exhibit 1 of HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and Exhibit 11 of HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals).

The gap is a product of administrative timing. DOFAW had been actively working to extend adaptive management for Hawaiʻi Island and will submit a proposed adaptive management rule change for Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration. The Board was scheduled to hear that item at its March 27, 2026 meeting, but the item was pulled from the agenda and will require a new submittal at the next applicable timeline, leaving the temporary reversion with no immediate end date.

The division may use its adaptive management authority to amend certain administrative rules, and adaptive management allows resource managers to implement effective management tools in response to rapidly changing resource conditions. Under the adaptive management authority, the Land Board may approve administrative rules proposed by DOFAW, and 10 days after approval those rules become law, effective for two years. That two-year clock ran out with no renewal ready.

DOFAW acknowledged the situation is not straightforward for people in the field. According to the department, "DOFAW recognizes that this temporary reversion may be confusing for both the hunting public and enforcement officers." The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, DOCARE, whose officers are responsible for citations in the field, faces the same adjustment, and DOFAW stated it "is committed to working closely with conservation and enforcement staff during this period to help educate hunters and ensure understanding of the applicable rules."

Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase their hunting tags in person since the rules expired on March 18. Tags may be purchased in person at the Hilo DOFAW office, located at 19 E. Kawili St., during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reviewing current regulations carefully before heading out is essential to avoid a citation during this unsettled period.

The three seasons most directly in the crosshairs are the Puʻu Anahulu Archery Season, the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Archery Season, and the Spring Turkey Season on Hawaiʻi Island. Any tagged hunts that were conducted under the adaptive management framework continued through the March 18 expiration date, but "upon expiration, and until further Board action, all hunts will temporarily revert to the standard rules and exhibits," according to DLNR.

Acting BLNR Chairperson Ryan Kanakaʻole signed off on the formal announcement, issued from Hilo on March 25, 2026, under Governor Josh Green's office. DOFAW said it "appreciates the patience and cooperation of Hawaiʻi's hunting community and enforcement partners during this transition period." Until the department completes a new BLNR submittal and secures board approval, the pre-2024 standard exhibits govern every hunt on Hawaiʻi Island.