Location & SPECIES
Earl Dunnam @ (808) 213-4358
MOLOKA'I
ABOUT MOLOKA’I
Moloka‘i Nui A Hina: Great Moloka‘i, Child of Hina:
The saying, “Moloka‘i Nui A Hina” or Great Moloka‘i, Child of Hina, affirms that Moloka‘i, like a
human child, was born to a mother and father: Wākea, god of the sky, and Hina, goddess of
the moon and weaver of the clouds. This traditional legend of origin establishes that the
island of Moloka‘i, like a child, is small and fragile – unlike a large continent. The resources of
an island are finite, and these finite resources need to be nurtured by the island’s “family” if
the people are to grow strong, healthy, and prosper. Many of the families of Moloka‘i trace
their roots on the island back to antiquity, making the island an integral part of their
ancestral family. Moloka‘i’s modern-day stewards have a special responsibility to care for the
island as they would care for a member of their own family – a responsibility bequeathed to
them by Hina, birth mother of this island.
AXIS DEER
ITS HISTORY
As a gift to our King Kamehameha V, 8 Axis Deer were released on Moloka’i in 1867; three
bucks, four does and one male fawn. As grazers, they prefer to eat grass, but they will browse
for just about anything which includes native plants. There are no known predators in
Hawaii, thus the axis deer evolves to give birth much more often than any other deer species.
Unlike other invasive species, the deer hold a special status on Moloka’i. Some native
Hawaiians consider it a cultural practice to hunt the animals for subsistence.
There are no seasonal restrictions or limitations on how many deer can be hunted on
Moloka’i, therefore, it is great to hunt all year round.
