Two Men Arrested for Night Hunting on Oprah's Hawaii Ranch

In a recent incident on the Hawaiian island of Maui, two 19-year-old men were arrested on a public road within Oprah Winfrey's property in Kula. State officials revealed that the men were suspected of engaging in illegal night hunting activities. The arrest took place just before midnight on June 21 when officers discovered the individuals using a hunting spotlight on the public road that traverses Winfrey's ranch. Although the men were not caught in the act of hunting, authorities found a loaded shotgun and rifle in their truck. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources stated that Winfrey's ranch encompasses the area where the men were apprehended. The men were taken into custody on suspicion of hunting on private lands without authorization, lacking a hunting license, and other related violations. Additionally, one of the individuals was also arrested for possessing an unregistered semi-automatic rifle. The prevalence of invasive axis deer on Maui and other Hawaiian islands adds complexity to the situation. Maui County prosecutors are set to review the case to determine if charges will be filed. Following their arrest, records indicate that the men were released pending further investigation, as confirmed by county officials. Responding to the incident, Winfrey's production company, Harpo, clarified that the arrests did not occur on their property. The Department of Land and Natural Resources had previously collaborated with Upcountry ranchers to combat illegal poaching in the region. This development underscores the ongoing efforts to address wildlife-related offenses and uphold regulations surrounding hunting activities in Hawaii. The case remains under scrutiny as authorities work towards ensuring compliance with hunting laws and safeguarding the natural environment.