Hunters in Hilo are protesting a state plan to ban hunting within 4,800 acres of public forest.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported about 20 hunters held signs and waved at commuters outside the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office on Monday.

The demonstration was peaceful. Protesters held signs saying “Stop excessive land grab” and “Our local culture is now on the invasive species list.” Passing motorists occasionally honked to show their support.

The state earlier this month released a 15-year management plan that calls for installing 17 miles of fencing to keep pigs, goats and sheep out of four management areas in the Puu Maka­ala Natural Area Reserve south of Hilo. 

The areas would be closed to hunting as a way of protecting the ecosystem from invasive species.