Some people claim that pigs should be allowed to roam, feed, and wallow everywhere based on ancient Hawaiian tradition. Historians dispute this, as outlined in a 1997 article in Environment Hawai'i. Hawaiian people place great value on healthy forests and clean water, and are strong advocates of stewardship of the land. The present situation, with large numbers of introduced game animals degrading the landscape, is not in keeping with these values.

Hawaiian storyteller Uncle Charlie Maxwell, once an avid pig hunter, wrote that he came to recognize the damage the animals are doing to the native rainforest and dryland forest. Read messages on feral game mammals from native Hawaiian people here.

A good source of information is 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, a "non-profit organization created by native Hawaiians who recognize that Hawai'i's unique native plants, animals, and ecosystems represent a vital cultural resource in danger of extinction." The group includes not only native Hawaiians who are historians and experts on their culture, but also scientists who have studied the Hawaiian flora and fauna and the threats they face. Their website hasn't been updated in a while, but its pages include information about Hawaiian tradition and philosophy.

Today's Feral Pigs: From Polynesia or Europe? Letter from Lloyd Loope.