10/18/13 – DLNR Sets Public Hearing For Amendments To Waiakea Public Fishing Area Rules

Posted on Oct 18, 2013 in Aquatic Resources, Boating & Ocean Recreations, News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
WILLIAM J. AILA JR,
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release October 18, 2013

DLNR SETS PUBLIC HEARING FOR AMENDMENTS
TO WAIAKEA PUBLIC FISHING AREA RULES

HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public hearing to amend Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) relating to the Waiakea Public Fishing Area (PFA) in Hilo, Hawaii.

The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at the Aupuni Center at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1.

The proposed amendments would prohibit the use of stand-up paddleboards in the Waiakea Public Fishing Area, limit boat fishing to only when the boat is anchored, and prohibit the possession or use of any net within the public fishing area.

“These changes will help to maintain the focus on active pole and line fishing for which this area was designated,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

Other amendments include the updating of provisions on the mullet closed season and the taking of female Samoan crabs to be consistent with existing regulations.

Rules may be reviewed in DAR offices on all islands or on the DAR website at https://state.hi.us/dlnr/dar/rules/drafts/Waiakea_PFA_dr.pdf

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing to present relevant information and individual opinion for the DLNR to consider. Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments may mail written testimony by Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, to the Division of Aquatic Resources, 75 Aupuni St., Room 204, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.

Anyone with a hearing impairment who wishes to attend the public hearing may request assistance of a sign language interpreter. The request may be made in writing (to the DAR address above) or by calling 587-0100 (voice or TDD) in Honolulu. The request will need to be received at least seven days before the hearing is scheduled to start.

Additional information or a copy of the proposed rules will be mailed at no charge upon receipt of verbal or written request to the DAR address above.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public information specialist
Phone (808) 587-0320
[email protected]