By David Corrigan and Julia Neal

SOUTH POINT, Hawaii: Axis deer, and anyone seeking to introduce them to Hawaii Island, are being targeted by lawmakers.

Axis Deer have been a concern for farmers and environmentalists ever since the animals’ presence on the Big Island was confirmed by state officials this year.

The ungulates have already caused extensive problems for Maui County, officials say.

There havne’t been too many sightings of the animal, but State Senator Gil Kahele says his family has seen the deer in Ka’u.

The Department of Land and Natural resources was recently granted Right of Entry to Hawaiian Home Lands in the area of South Point in order to conduct surveys and remove Axis Deer.

One theory is that the deer were brought to Hawaii Island by folks looking to establish a population for hunting purposes.

Whatever the motivation for important the animals, the Hawaii County Council is looking to put an end to it.

Dominic Yagong introduced a bill through the Environmental Management Committee, making deer importation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to a year in jail.