Maui Food Technology Center presents“Deerosion” Documentary Series

The Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) proudly announces the release of “Deerosion,” an important documentary series aimed at raising public awareness about the ecological crisis resulting from Axis deer overpopulation in Maui Nui. This video series, part of The Kahikolu Project, spotlights the profound impact of unchecked deer populations on our islands’ farming and ranching communities, delicate ecosystems, and vital watersheds.

For too long, the Axis deer population has presented significant challenges across the Hawaiian islands, affecting various sectors of our community and ecosystems. From the hardships faced by farmers and ranchers to broader ecological concerns stemming from overgrazing, the consequences are deeply felt. The impact extends to our islands’ watersheds, as the unchecked deer population leads to vegetation loss crucial for soil stabilization, resulting in erosion and degradation of water quality in our streams and ocean. This erosion threatens not only our environment, economy, and food sovereignty but also the very fabric of our lives, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action.

The significant growth of the Axis deer population is alarming, with 46,000 deer found in 2022 and estimates suggesting it has reached 50,000. With 80% females and a high reproductive rate, the herd grows by 36,000 yearly. Compounding the issue, the farmers’ harvest rate is insufficient to counter this population growth, leading to projected exponential increases without intervention.

The Kahikolu Project emphasizes the necessity for collaboration to address this ecological crisis. Led by MFTC, the project brings together various stakeholders, including government agencies, ranchers, farmers, landowners, conservation organizations, and local communities, to develop and implement effective strategies for managing the deer population.

According to Greg Friel, Livestock Manager for Haleakala Ranch, the urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated. “The impacts of unchecked deer overpopulation will reverberate for generations, affecting not only our present, but the future of Maui Nui. Without immediate action, the degradation of lands and loss of watershed function will have long-lasting consequences, potentially spanning centuries. We must act swiftly to mitigate these threats, as every year of inaction escalates the challenge to a higher degree. Actions to curb the deer population should have happened 20 years ago. But today marks the next deadline.”

Interviewees in the Deerosion video series include Mike Abreu (Haleakala Ranch), Uncle Bobby Allan (‘Aina Pulapula – Moloka‘i), Kristin Almasin (Ulupalakua Ranch), Carolyn Auweloa (Natural Resources Conservation Service), Jade Bruhjell (Pala‘au – Moloka‘i), Ryan Earhart (Oko‘a Farms), Greg Friel (Haleakala Ranch), Jordan Jokiel (Haleakala Ranch), Dylen Joaquin (Hawai‘i Grazing Lands Coalition), Zeke Kalua (County of Maui Office of the Mayor), Michael Marchand (Lapa‘au Farm), Andrea Thompson (Thompson Ranch), and Jerry Thompson (Thompson Ranch).

Presented by MFTC, the “Deerosion” documentary series is supported by the County of Maui; Hawai‘i Grazing Lands Coalition; Hawai‘i Cattlemen’s Council, Inc.; Maui Cattlemen’s Association; and Hawai‘i Rangeland Stewardship Foundation.

The documentary series was produced by Visual Resonance Media Hawai‘i, a media production company dedicated to crafting impactful digital content for Hawai‘i’s businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Explore their work at www.VisualResonanceMedia.com.

To view the “Deerosion” documentary series and learn more about The Kahikolu Project, visit www.mauifoodtechnology.org/kahikolu-project.