Officials in Hawaii reported that two men, arrested late last month on a public road within Oprah Winfrey's Maui property, are suspected of engaging in illegal night hunting.
KULA, Hawaii (AP) — State officials announced on Monday that two 19-year-old men from Maui were arrested near midnight on June 21 for allegedly using a hunting spotlight on a public road passing through Oprah Winfrey's ranch in Kula. According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, although the men were not caught in the act of hunting, officers discovered a loaded shotgun and rifle in their vehicle. The ranch surrounds the road where the arrest took place.
The men face charges for suspected hunting on private property without permission, lacking a hunting license, and other violations. Additionally, one of the individuals was apprehended for possession of an unregistered semi-automatic rifle.
Invasive axis deer are prevalent across Maui and other Hawaiian islands.
Maui County prosecutors will review the case to determine potential charges. The men were released pending further investigation, as confirmed by county officials.