(HONOLULU) – More than 3,000 people have received a permit at no charge from the DLNR Division of State Parks this year for driving access to a coastal portion of Kaena Point State Park Reserve - Mokuleia section on Oahu’s north shore. The permit system was instituted as an attempt to curtail habitat damage caused by and accelerated by off-road vehicle use; to reduce soil erosion into the high quality near-shore waters frequented by fishers; and to stop other illegal and damaging activities. The permits, valid 24-hours a day, 365-days a year (unless the park is closed for weather or emergency reasons), allow drivers to transit designated roads, in a safe manner, behind a locked gate at the end of the paved road in the park.

HANALEI -- Last night a 33 foot vessel, Serenity, belonging to Randy Perez, was leaving Hanalei bay when his motor died. He hoisted sail but it tore so the vessel drifted back into the bay. The vessel dropped anchor, but due to high surf it broke its mooring and washed onto the rocks on the bay’s west side at Waipa. The vessel suffered a hole in its port side (left) of the hull. Perez was injured while trying to get off the vessel and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI‘I – Planned improvements to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area in Waimea between Kawaihae and Puako, are the subject of a community meeting taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2015, at the mauka dining hall in the park.

HONOLULU -- The ‘Aha Moku Advisory Committee (AMAC) has scheduled a series of public meetings on O‘ahu in November 2015 to seek comment from communities in Oahu’s ‘ahupua‘a districts as it develops and adopts rules for its operation and administration

(HONOLULU) - A beautiful stretch of beach at the base of iconic Diamond Head, in the area known as Cromwells, has reappeared from beneath a jungle of naupaka and beach heliotrop. Property owners, who have homes on the shoreline, received letters from the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) asking them to cut back vegetation that encroached onto the public beach from their properties.

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, is now accepting applications for vacant seats on the Laupāhoehoe Advisory Council (LAC) and the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Advisory Council (PAC) on Hawai‘i island.

(HONOLULU) – William “Kai” Bishop Kaihe’ekai Maioho, has been chosen as the new Curator of the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala on Oahu. He starts October 21, 2015. He will be the 15th curator of the Royal Mausoleum, established in 1865 as the final resting place for the ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, their families, and close advisors. Kai replaces his father, William “Bill” Maioho, who passed away earlier this year while serving as Curator.

(HONOLULU) – The world’s foremost authority on shark/human interactions has confirmed that a surfer was bitten by an eel off Waikiki last Saturday night. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has now completed its investigation into the incident. The surfer who wants to remain anonymous got injuries to his left foot. DLNR staff interviewed the victim, and the information he provided, along with photos of his injuries, were discussed with George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File in Florida. The details of the Saturday incident reinforced Burgess’ opinion that the animal involved was an eel, not a shark.

HONOLULU – The popularity of manta ray viewing sites at Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove) along the coastline fronting the Sheraton Keauhou Bay on the Big Island’s Kona coast has captured media, state and federal attention. These manta ray viewing opportunities are unique worldwide and tours are conducted in two specific areas where mantas tend to congregate at night to feed on plankton. In recent years it has come to the attention of the DLNR that commercial manta ray night snorkeling and diving at these two popular sites has expanded considerably and the activity is in need of regulation in order to preserve the resource and prevent the dangers posed by overcrowding. The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is actively engaged in responsibly investigating the tour operations taking place and working to further regulate manta tour activities for safety and for the environment.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces the opening of the 2015-2016 game bird hunting season on Saturday, November 7, 2015.