The Army said it will temporarily close all public hunting at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island because of recent vandalism, theft and destruction of government property.

Mike Egami, public affairs liaison officer for U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, said gate locks were shot out and a generator was missing at the training range.

The incidents probably happened over the past couple of weeks, he said. Bird hunting and pig and goat hunting have been allowed under certain conditions at the training range.

Department of Army police are investigating the incidents.

The Army said it recognizes the inconvenience to hunters, and said it expects to complete the investigation in a timely manner. Pending the results of the investigation, a final determination will be made concerning future use of the Pohakuloa Training Area hunting grounds.

Updates on the temporary hunting suspension are available by calling the Pohakuloa Training Area Hunters Hotline at 808-969-3474.

Further questions may be directed to Egami at 656-3152.