Axis Deer Survey Participation Deadline June 30: Influence Future Land Use and Resource Management
Executive Brief
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is collecting input via a survey on the impacts of axis deer on Maui Nui, with a strict submission deadline of June 30. Your participation is critical to shaping future management decisions that will affect agricultural land access, tourism viability, and property values.
- Agriculture & Food Producers: Inform land management policies that could affect grazing rights and crop damage mitigation.
- Real Estate Owners: Influence decisions on land use and potential impacts on property values and development permits.
- Tourism Operators: Help shape policies that impact the natural landscape and visitor experience.
- Action: Submit your survey responses before June 30 to ensure your voice is heard.
The Change
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFW) has opened a public survey to gather data on the pervasive impacts of axis deer across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. This initiative is a critical step in understanding the scope of environmental, safety, and economic challenges posed by the overabundant population of these invasive ungulates. The survey aims to collect firsthand accounts from residents and stakeholders, providing crucial qualitative and quantitative information that will directly inform future wildlife management strategies and policy recommendations. The survey is only accessible until June 30, making timely participation essential for anyone concerned about the future of land use and resource management on Maui Nui.
Who's Affected
Agriculture & Food Producers
Implications: Axis deer cause significant damage to agricultural lands, including crops, pastures, and fences. This can lead to substantial financial losses for farmers and ranchers due to reduced yields, livestock injury from damaged fencing, and increased operational costs for protection measures. The data collected from this survey will directly influence policies related to invasive species management, hunting regulations, and potentially land-use designations that could either alleviate or exacerbate these pressures on agricultural operations. Ranchers, in particular, face challenges with degraded pastureland and potential impacts on livestock health and carrying capacity.
Real Estate Owners
Implications: For property owners, the proliferation of axis deer can manifest in several ways. Beyond the direct impact on landscaping and gardens on private properties, the deer population contributes to the degradation of natural habitats, potentially affecting the aesthetic appeal and ecological value of surrounding lands. Future management decisions informed by this survey could lead to changes in land management practices, increased costs for property maintenance, or even influence development permits if certain areas are designated for habitat restoration or managed hunting zones. Properties adjacent to or within natural corridors may experience more pronounced impacts, affecting property values.
Tourism Operators
Implications: The ecological impact of axis deer, including land degradation and the potential for habitat loss for native species, can indirectly affect the appeal of Maui Nui as a tourist destination. While deer sightings can be an attraction for some, widespread habitat damage and potential safety concerns (e.g., vehicle collisions) can detract from the visitor experience. Management strategies decided upon based on survey data could influence land use patterns, access to natural areas, and the overall health of ecosystems that form the basis of Hawaii's tourism product. Decisions on managing wildlife populations could also impact the cost and availability of land for tourism-related infrastructure or activities.
Second-Order Effects
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Degraded Land Resources → Reduced Agricultural Viability → Increased Food Import Reliance → Higher Consumer Food Prices: Axis deer decimate grazing lands and crops, reducing local food production capacity. This necessitates greater reliance on imported food, leading to increased shipping costs and higher prices for consumers across the islands.
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Habitat Degradation → Ecosystem Imbalance → Reduced Native Species Population → Decreased Ecotourism Appeal → Lower Visitor Spending: The unchecked deer population damages native flora, impacting the unique biodiversity that attracts eco-tourists. This can lead to a less desirable visitor experience in natural areas, potentially reducing tourist numbers and expenditure.
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Increased Deer Population → Higher Risk of Vehicle Collisions → Increased Insurance Premiums for Drivers and Businesses → Higher Transportation Costs for Goods and Services: More deer on roads increase the likelihood of accidents, driving up insurance costs for individuals and businesses, which translates to higher operational expenses and consumer prices.
What to Do
Agriculture & Food Producers
Action: Complete the DLNR axis deer impact survey by June 30. Specifically, detail the extent of crop damage, fencing costs, and pasture degradation your operation has experienced. If possible, quantify these losses. This data is crucial for advocating for effective land management policies and potential mitigation support.
Real Estate Owners
Action: Submit your survey responses to DLNR by June 30. Focus on how axis deer impact your property's landscaping, the costs associated with deer deterrence, and any perceived effects on your property's overall value or usability. This information will help inform land-use planning and potential zoning considerations.
Tourism Operators
Action: Participate in the DLNR axis deer impact survey before the June 30 deadline. Report any observed impacts on natural habitats, visitor experiences, or potential safety concerns related to axis deer. Highlight how ecosystem health is tied to the overall attractiveness of Maui Nui as a destination.



