Media Release

The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding Big Island residents that hiking, hunting and other activities on private property without written permission are considered trespassing and are against the law.

Farmers and ranchers suffer from trespassing activities, including littering, theft to crops and livestock, damaged fences and gates, and the disruption of livestock and farming operations. These illegal activities cause damage to infrastructure and disrupt farm and ranch business.

Trespassing on private property is prohibited under state law and is punishable by fines, incarceration or both. The following are Class C felonies, which can lead to fines and up to five years in prison:

• Criminal property damage to agricultural equipment, supplies or agriculture
• Theft of agricultural equipment, supplies and livestock (including horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats)