Alleged sheep poachers were recently cited by DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers (DOCARE) near Pōhakuloa Training Area.
While traveling on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, officers encountered a pair of men and found they were in possession of three live, male sheep and were unable to produce a valid hunting license.
18-year-old Kodee K. Menino of Kea‘au was cited for Civil Resource Violation System (CRVS) hunting license, hunting hours, and removal of live animals’ violations. He was fined a total of $850 for the violations.
18-year-old Vito J. Ulufale of Waiʻanae, O‘ahu received CRVS citations for hunting license and hunting hour violations. He was fined $350 for the violations.
Officers are investigating the involvement of two additional men, including one who was taken to the hospital later in the day after running into the bush and suffering a medical emergency.
Officers later spotted another truck parked alongside the highway at PTA that was carrying 12 male and one female sheep. It does not appear the two groups were poaching together.
The following trio of men in the second truck received CRVS citations for hunting license and hunting hours violations with fines of $350 each.
- Simon P.P. Whippy, Age 43 of Honoka‘a
- Wyllen James K. Takaki, Age 20 of Kamuela
- Joseph K. Marquiz, Age 24 of Kapa‘au
All 16 sheep were freed and returned to the wild.
This is the second time since its induction that Hawai‘i Island DOCARE officers have employed the CRVS which allows officers to immediately fine people for resource violations and avoids both suspects and officers from having to go to court.
Individuals cited under CRVS can contest the charges to DLNR and a hearing officer can adjudicate cases. They can also ask to have the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) have a contested case hearing. In those instances, the BLNR does not have to follow the CRVS fine schedule and can impose higher fines up to the statutory limits for each violation.
DLNR Photo