SECTION 1. The legislature finds that mentored hunting, also called apprentice hunting, allows a person to try hunting prior to completing any required hunter education courses. Presently, more than half of the states in the nation operate a mentored hunting program. These programs attract new hunters of all ages by allowing the prospective hunter to gain experience under the direct supervision of a seasoned mentor.

The legislature further finds that mentor programs help young hunters and their families enjoy sporting traditions together. However, young children in Hawaii may not participate in carrying game, ammunition, or hunting equipment, which are essential elements for sharing the experience. Moreover, requiring children to spend a number of hours in hunting courses prior to active participation does not promote the experience. Ultimately, parents are in the best position to know when children are ready to hunt and are most equipped to provide the necessary guidance.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to issue Hawaii hunting participant permits authorizing children to hunt under direct supervision.

SECTION 2. Chapter 183D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§183D- Hawaii hunting participant permit. (a) The department shall issue a Hawaii hunting participant permit to any Hawaii resident between the ages of seven and ten who:

(1) Has never been issued a hunting license in the State; and

(2) Submits a written application in the form prescribed by the department;

provided that the permit may be renewed until the permittee reaches the age of ten, or through the end of the second consecutive fiscal year from the date of application if older than ten years.

(b) Any Hawaii hunting participant permittee may engage in hunting activity; provided that the permittee shall:

(1) Possess the Hawaii hunting participant permit; and

(2) Be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is eighteen years of age or older."

SECTION 3. Section 183D-22, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) A hunting license shall be issued to a person by an agent of the department upon:

(1) Written application in the form prescribed by the department;

(2) Payment of a hunting license fee or any other hunting related fee the board may require as provided in this chapter; except that payment of the fee shall be waived for any employee of the department who is required to have a license to carry out duties of the department; and

(3) Showing of a valid Hawaii hunter education certificate or written exemption issued under section 183D-28 [~~or upon showing~~], proof of completion of an approved hunter education course described in section 183D-28(b)(2)[.], or a valid Hawaii hunting participant permit issued pursuant to section 183D- .

The application shall require a statement under oath of the applicant's name, address, domicile or residence, length of residence in the State, age, race, height, weight, and color of hair and eyes."

SECTION 4. Section 183D-28, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) A person who meets the minimum age requirements adopted pursuant to subsection (c) shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (a) if the person:

(1) Was born before January 1, 1972, and at one time possessed a hunting license issued by the State; provided that the person shows satisfactory proof to the department that the person had possessed the hunting license;

(2) Has successfully completed a course or program of hunter education and safety that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association and meets the requirements of Chapter 12 of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid Manual, as revised; provided that the person shows satisfactory proof in the form of a certificate, wallet card, or other document issued by a state, province, or country evidencing successful completion of the course or program; [or]

(3) Obtains a three-day or a seven-day hunting license pursuant to section 183D-22(b)(3) to hunt on a private and commercial shooting preserve, accompanied by a hunting guide licensed pursuant to section 183D-25.5; provided that:

(A) All hunting shall be conducted on a licensed private and commercial shooting preserve and under the direction of a hunting guide who has successfully completed a Hawaii hunter education certification course and meets the requirements of section 183D-25.5;

(B) Prior to licensing, a hunter safety class and field training session shall be provided to the licensee that includes hunter safety and hunting equipment use and safe discharge;

(C) While hunting under these provisions, a hunting guide shall guide not more than two unaccompanied clients at any time while hunting;

(D) All hunting guides and clients shall wear a hunter safety blaze-orange outer garment while hunting;

(E) The private and commercial shooting preserve operator, hunting guides, and clients agree to be subject to inspection while engaged in hunting activities by department representatives or authorized law enforcement officers; and

(F) The private and commercial shooting preserve owner and operator assume responsibility and liability for public and hunter safety while operating under these provisions and agree to report any injuries to the department[.]; or

(4) Obtains a Hawaii hunting participant permit issued pursuant to section 183D- .

Upon application and satisfaction of the requirements of paragraph (1), the department shall issue a written exemption that shall be valid for the life of the person. The department shall develop and maintain a list of approved hunter education courses described in paragraph (2) for reference by the public and license agents."

SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1905
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII