Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill Thursday banning inter-island transportation of axis deer. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill Thursday banning inter-island transportation of axis deer. ADVERTISING The signing comes 13 months after the first axis deer, considered an invasive
Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill Thursday banning inter-island transportation of axis deer.
The signing comes 13 months after the first axis deer, considered an invasive species, was spotted on the Big Island.
“It is imperative that Hawaii’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 ecosystem,” said state Sen. Gilbert Kahele, who introduced the bill. “This measure establishes the regulation needed to prevent the unwanted spread of axis deer so that our environment and businesses can continue to grow and prosper.
This year, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee began hiring hunters to kill the deer, which it has estimated to number between 50 and 100.
Two have been killed so far, with the most recent killed last week in Kau, said Page Else, BIISC outreach specialist.