Pig Hunting on Kauai

Feral Pigs are a nuisance to farmers and Native Species on Kauai! You probably ask yourself, "Why do we need Pig Hunting Anyway"? First, pigs create a chain reaction which influences our native birds and plants. Next, they impact our coral reefs and ocean resources. Lastly, pigs provide a source of food for our community! Watch the video below to learn about how pigs impact our native birds! This is a Very Well done Video! If you just want to see the Pig Hunting and Tracking watch from 4 Minutes to 15 Minutes!

Hawaii Safari's says: "The hooved, feral pigs cause damage to the coral as they dig up grounds in search of worms and roots in Hawaii’s forests, and that’s where the problem begins! Once the rains come and flood these streams it dumps excessive sediment onto the reefs. If the reef gets smothered, it can’t get sunlight, it can’t get oxygen or the nutrients they need to survive." (Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://hawaiisafaris.com/deer-hunting-hawaii/shoot-a-pig-and-save-a-reef/).

Pigs provide a food source for our community and Ohana! A Lau Lau is made here on Kauai on a weekly basis! Lau Lau is a Hawaiian Dish made out of fatty pork wrapped in Lu'au leaves and Ti leaves. The wrapped lau lau is steamed and served alongside Rice and Poi! Another way of preparing pig is Kalua Pork! Kalua Pork is made by these different steps!

Cooking Classy says; "First, A large pit is dug into the ground about 3 – 5 feet deep. Koa or Kiawe wood is placed at the bottom of the pit and topped with large rocks .The kindling is lit and it’s allowed to heat for several hours. After that the pit is lined with vegetation (usually ti leaves or banana leaves). A whole pig is then salted, stuffed with some of the hot rocks, sometimes topped with vegetables, and wrapped or covered in more damp leaves. Then it is placed in the prepared underground oven and covered with a layer of soil. This called an Imu! From here it is left to cook underground for about 6 to 7 hours. Finally it is removed and the meat is shredded. Pookela Sausage is made here on Kauai by a local business and for Family Luau! It's an essential part of any Hawaiian meal!" (Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://www.cookingclassy.com/kalua-pork/.)

1. Boar on Kauai: Accessed on May 6, 2021 from https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/01/04/hawaii-plans-extend-trial-run-kauai-pig-hunting/.
2. Protecting the Planet With Earth's Guardians: Accessed on May 10, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REPABdXQHc0&t=942s.
3. Hawaii Safaris: Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://hawaiisafaris.com/deer-hunting-hawaii/shoot-a-pig-and-save-a-reef/.
4. Boar Hunted on Maui: Accessed on May 10, 2021 from https://www.gohunt.com/read/skills/off-season-hunting-opportunities-the-islands-of-hawaii#gs.12m0xz.
5. Unhealthy Coral Reef: Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://news.stanford.edu/2018/03/01/reefs-become-deserts-keeping-coral-healthy-hawaii/.
6. Lau Lau MMMMMM: Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://halekupukupu.com/2018/02/11/laulau-some-call-it-the-food-of-the-gods/.
7. Hawaiian Food Explained: How Laulau is Made: Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwx_Svj413w&t=12s.
8. Kalua Pork Steps to Make: Accessed on May 13, 2021 from https://www.cookingclassy.com/kalua-pork/.