Sentencing Scheduled for Maui Pilot in Deer Case

Axis deer, file photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy and DLNR.

Update: Hauptman received probation – story updated here.

By Wendy Osher

Sentencing is set for today for a Maui man accused of the illegal transport of axis deer to the Big Island.

Thomas Leroy Hauptman pleaded guilty last month to a misdemeanor charge in the case.

The case was listed on today’s calendar before US District Court Judge, Kevin S.C. Chang.

Earlier this year, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources launched a partnership between conservation groups and the agricultural community to eradicate the deer found on the Big Island.

The team is hoping to rid the population on the island before farmers face the same problems now occurring on Maui, where deer populations are exploding.