(Kailua-Kona) – In order to support a growing demand for recreational space in the North Kona District, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is conducting a civic use study to gauge community interest in recreational and subsistence uses, such as hiking, hunting, and gathering other forest resource in Honua‘ula Forest Reserve. As part of the study, DOFAW has scheduled an open meeting to present and receive input on the Kailua-Kona community’s preferences and potential management strategies to support anticipated future increase in activity.

(Honolulu)-The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be participating in the State of Hawaii Career Fair on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol, 4th Floor Lanai, at 415 S. Beretania Street.

(Honolulu) — Do you know a school, community group, non-profit organization, or business that cares about greening our environment? Funding is available to help get your project off the ground.  The DLNR’s Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program announces a call for statewide grant applications that support urban and community forestry.

 (Honolulu) -  Out-of-state visitors and commercial tour buses will begin paying parking fees at Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks on Kaua‘i beginning Friday, June 28, 2019.These fees were approved by Governor Ige in December of 2015 and had previously been approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) in 2010. A DLNR Division of State Parks analysis of parking and entry fees for large state parks frequented by visitors and commercial tours companies were identified as a source for critically needed operating funds.

(Kona)-Preparations have begun for lifeguards to be stationed at Kekaha Kai State Park, Manini‘ōwali Beach (Kua Bay) section and as a result the park will be opening later than usual on three days next week at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 25, Wednesday June 26 and Friday June 28, 2019.

(Kihei)-The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has awarded a $680, 880 contract to Goodfellow Bros. LLC to dredge the entrance channel of Kihei Boat Ramp. This project will begin on July 1, 2019 with an estimated completion of November 4, 2019.

(Hilo) – Lands in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve are proposed to be withdrawn and set aside to the County of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Transportation. A two-point-nine acre and 32.572 acre parcel are being proposed for withdrawal from the State Forest Reserve System. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting community comments on the two proposed withdrawals:

(Honolulu)-Four of the 12 Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas (BRFAs) around the state are scheduled to re-open to Deep-7 bottomfish fishing on July 1, 2019.  They include BRFA C (Makahū‘ena, Kaua‘i), BRFA F (Penguin Banks), BRFA J (Mokumana-Umalei Pt, Maui), and BRFA L (Leleiwi Pt, Hawai‘i Island). 

(Hilo) – Wailoa State Recreation Area in Hilo is unique among Hawai‘i State Parks given it’s one of a few parks in an urban setting, right on the edge of downtown Hilo. What also makes this beautiful park unusual, is the unique building which houses the Wailoa Center, which is the largest venue on Hawai‘i Island for showcasing the work of local artists.

(Hāʻena, Kaua‘i) – The eagerly anticipated reopening of Hāʻena State Park and the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on June 17, 2019, also allows for the highly anticipated reopening of the Kalalau Trail.  Considered one of the most arduous and beautiful hikes in the world, the trail attracts thousands of global visitors who seek views of the spectacular Nāpali Coast, one of Hawai‘i’s most photographed and iconic vistas.