No, collecting feathers in Hawaii is illegal without permits due to protections under state and federal laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Hawaii’s endangered species statutes. Violations risk fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment, with stricter penalties for native or endangered species. Exceptions exist for cultural practices but require Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) authorization.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Hawaii
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): Prohibits possession, collection, or disturbance of migratory birds and their feathers without federal permits, enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
- Hawaii Endangered Species Act (HESA): Bans collection of feathers from native or endangered species, including the ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow) and Nēnē (Hawaiian goose), with DLNR oversight.
- Hawaii Revised Statutes §195D-4.5: Requires permits for cultural or scientific collection of feathers, mandating proof of traditional use or research necessity; applications undergo DLNR review.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter permitting for cultural practitioners, with DLNR requiring documented tribal or Native Hawaiian organization affiliations to validate exceptions. Non-compliance triggers federal enforcement, including asset forfeiture. Always verify species status via DLNR’s 2024-issued feather identification guides before any collection.