Oahu’s first felony arrest under ‘Duke’s Law’ follows illegal hunting report at West Oahu ranch

News admin July 31, 2026 0 Comments

Oahu’s first felony arrest under ‘Duke’s Law’ follows illegal hunting report at West Oahu ranch

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) arrested a Waianae man on suspicion of hunting on private lands without the permission of the landowner, marking the first arrest under “Duke’s Law.”

The owner of a West Oahu ranch contacted DLE Saturday morning to report a group of people hunting on private ranch property without permission.

The owner also reported hearing what sounded like numerous gunshots in the area.

DLE investigators immediately responded to the ranch incident. After a short search, DLE detained four people, including a 24-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, a 20-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old girl.

After the brief investigation at the scene, the 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of prohibited hunting on private lands without the permission of the landowner. He was subsequently released pending investigation.

The criminal investigation of the case is continuing. Additional illegal hunting, firearms, and trespassing charges against the 24-year-old man and the others may be filed after the investigation is completed.

The DLE is reminding the public that illegally hunting or trespassing on private ranches and agricultural lands can result in arrests and significant criminal penalties. In 2025, Governor Green signed Act 235, otherwise known as “Duke’s Law,” into law in Hawaii. Under Duke’s Law, prohibited hunting on private agricultural lands and ranches is a felony that carries mandatory prison sentences.

“Saturday’s arrest is believed to be the first felony arrest on Oahu made under Duke’s Law”, said DLE Deputy Director Ernest Robello. “The DLE would also like to thank the officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources who also responded to the rancher’s call and provided DLE assistance during the investigation.”

Ag crimes can be reported anonymously, 24 hours a day, by calling 808-427-3323 or by filling out an electronic form on the DLE’s website, www.law.hawaii.gov.