WAIANAE, Hawaii – Two thrill craft operators were sentenced this month to a $300 fine each and a 30-day prohibition on operating any jet ski in state waters, after being cited for operating jet skis without possessing required certifications and navigation lights.

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the opening of akule fishing for Waimea Bay Ocean Waters from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013.

“Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) prohibits the take of marine resources, with the exception of the Waimea Bay portion of the MLCD. The Waimea Bay portion allows for poll and line fishing year round, as well as take of akule using net fishing methods during November and December,” explained BLNR Chairperson, William J. Aila, Jr. “These two months of the year provide fishers access to traditional akule fishing grounds. This period, along with the opelu period from August to September, provides access to the traditional net fishing grounds while conserving the marine resources within the rest of the MLCD.”

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is now accepting nominations for the 2014 National Register of Big Trees. Across the United States, the largest trees of their species joined the ranks of the more than 780 national champion trees listed in American Forests’ National Register of Big Trees. More than 40 new champions were crowned across 50 states and the District of Columbia, including 6 new champions in Hawaii.

Planting a native plant celebrates the forests that are fundamental to our way of life. Hawaii’s native forests provide the islands’ water supply by absorbing large quantities of moisture from passing clouds and rainfall. These watershed forests reduce greenhouse gases and flooding, erosion, and siltation of reefs and fisheries. Native plants also have cultural significance, regarded as elders and ancestors, or used for medicines, offerings, or other material needs.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release October 30, 2013 ARBOR DAY PLANT SALE IS NOV. 1 ...
Read More 10/30/13 – Arbor Day Plant Sale Is Nov. 1 At Pua Loke Nursery – Event Marks 45 Years Since First Plant Sale by DOFAW

Game bird hunting opportunities are offered on the six major islands in the State of Hawaii: (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the big island of Hawaii). Each of these islands has one or more State-designated public hunting areas (called Hunting Units), which are open for hunting at certain times during each year. Game bird hunting opportunities may also be available on private lands as well.

DLNR wildlife biologists are predicting an “average” season of bird hunting, with the easing of drought conditions in many parts of the state. A December 31, 2007 appellate court ruling determined that no game bird stamp sales are allowed for hunting. A valid hunting license only is required for all game bird hunting on public and private lands. All game bird hunting is regulated by Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 13, Chapter 122 (see https://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw “Administrative Rules”).

Applications for all hunts may be submitted in-person or mailed, to the Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife Office, 54 S. High St., Rm 101, Wailuku, HI 96793. Lanai residents only are to mail or deliver their applications to the Lanai DOFAW Office at 917 Fraser Ave., P.O. Box 630661, Lanai City, HI 96763. The DEADLINE for submitting applications will be 4:00 p.m on Friday December 6, 2013. Interested hunters are encouraged to submit applications well before the application deadline to insure proper processing.

“We appreciate the focused efforts and cooperation of our partner agencies and staff to ensure public safety, and to quickly remove this marine hazard from Kaneohe Bay,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

To report a floating whale or any marine mammal incident, call USCG channel 16 or the NOAA marine mammal hotline at: 1-888-256-9840.