Permit Guidelines | Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Resource Title: Permit Guidelines | Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Organization: Department of Land and Natural Resources

Description:

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) within Hawai‘i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) administers a comprehensive permitting system for activities on public lands and involving wildlife. This includes research, collection, educational displays, special use, wildlife control, filming, and access to forest reserves and natural areas. The guidelines clarify application processes, review timelines, conditions, and required coordination with branch offices and federal agencies.

Target Audience: Educators, Facilitators, High School, College

Instructional Roles: Assessment

Environment: Field trip, Self-guided

Content Type: Service, volunteer work

Type Of Engagement: Investigate, Observe, Reflect

Format: Webpage

Activity:

Guidance on whether your activity requires one or multiple permits, using a 90-day review process as standard
Online and in-person applications (tools like eHawaii.gov for tags, special‑use, and collection permits)
Specialized permits and processes include:
- Collection permits for non-listed forest products or commercial harvest
- Protected Wildlife permits for research, display, rehab, or relocation of wildlife
- Special Use Permits (SUP)—e.g., for camera crews, scientific work, installations
- Wildlife control/nuisance permits, including conditions for hunted feral animals
- Forest reserve/research access, inc. island-specific contact and check-in rules
- Hunting tags and day-use camping permits, mostly via the Go Hunt Hawaii portal

Topics Covered:

Regulatory requirements and timelines (90 days) for application and renewals
Coordination with DLNR branch offices across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui Nui, and Hawaiʻi Island
Safety and compliance protocols (e.g., field check‑ins, carrying the signed permit, insurance/federal permits)
Permit types: collection, protected wildlife, special use, filming, wildlife control, and hunting tags
Federal coordination for federal-protected species (e.g., USFWS, CITES)
Annual reporting, record-keeping, and potential permit revocation based on infractions

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Have a question, found an issue, or just want to connect?
Reach out to us anytime. We're here to help.