Two Upcountry Maui men were arrested for multiple violations after officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement stopped them near a public road that runs through private property owned by the Oprah Winfrey Ranch, DLNR announced on Monday. 

What You Need To Know

  • DOCARE officers observed Luke Allen and Ty Munoz, both 19, using a spotlight for apparent hunting purposes just before midnight on June 21 at the intersection of Kamaole Road and Thompson Road, which runs through the Winfrey property
  • The officers found a loaded shotgun and loaded rifle in the truck Allen and Munoz men were using
  • Upon further investigation, the officers confirmed that the men were hunting without valid licenses, had ammunition in the vehicle and were allegedly hunting on private land at night without permission; the rifle Allen had in his possession was also found to be unregistered
  • The Oprah Winfrey Ranch spans 163 acres in Kula

According to DLNR, the officers observed Luke Allen and Ty Munoz, both 19, using a spotlight for apparent hunting purposes just before midnight on June 21 at the intersection of Kamaole Road and Thompson Road, which runs through the Winfrey property.

DOCARE officers found a loaded shotgun and loaded rifle in the truck Allen and Munoz men were using. Upon further investigation, the officers confirmed that the men were hunting without valid licenses, had ammunition in the vehicle and were allegedly hunting on private land at night without permission. The rifle Allen had in his possession was also found to be unregistered.

Allen and Munoz were taken to the Maui Police station in Wailuku for booking.

Allen was arrested on suspicion of improper storage of a loaded firearm, hunting without a license, hunting on private land without permission, improper storage of ammunition, hunting with an artificial light and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Munoz was arrested on suspicion of improper storage of a loaded firearm, hunting without a license, hunting on private land without permission and hunting with an artificial light.

The case has been referred to the Maui County Prosecutors Office for review and charging.

The Oprah Winfrey Ranch spans 163 acres in Kula.