The state is exploring an expansion of its feral pig hunting program to Palolo.

So far, the program has only been in Makiki, Manoa and Tantalus — hot spots for feral pig problems. But residents in Palolo say they're noticing more pigs in their community and have asked the state to see whether the hunting program could be offered in the forested areas in their community.

State wildlife officials say expanding the program would require strong support from the neighborhood. Officials would also have to work out some details, such as how hunters would cross private property to get to state land to hunt. In the other areas where the program has been offered, pig hunters have been able to get to state conservation lands without crossing private property.

Jason Misaki, O'ahu wildlife manager for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, said expanding the program is a possibility, though it would take some work.

"We definitely would be interested in getting more partnerships," Misaki said. "It's just a matter of (working out) the specifics."

The year-round pig hunting program started in February 2007 in response to longtime problems caused by the animals in Manoa, Makiki and Tantalus. The program was supposed to wrap up in a year but was extended because of community support. Since the program started, hunters have snagged 134 pigs.

Pig hunters in the program are allowed to use dogs, bows and arrows and knives.

They are required to seek permits, and currently there are 33 active hunters in the program.

Before the program started, DLNR had overseen special hunts in the areas, which operated on three-month-on, three-month-off cycles. In those years, anywhere from 15 to 22 feral pigs were killed.

Michael Weinstein, Palolo Neighborhood Board treasurer, said there has been more talk recently about feral pigs in Palolo. But he said in addition to the concern about the feral pig population, there are complaints about hunters already operating in Palolo. It's unclear whether the hunters are operating legally and where they're hunting, he said. But residents on La'i Road have complained about the hunters dumping dead pig parts in plastic bags on a vacant property for weeks.

"We don't really know where they're killing the pigs," he said.