Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release November 8, 2013 

DLNR CONDUCTS PUBLIC HEARINGS ON  PROPOSED
MAUI AND LANAI FISHERIES RULE CHANGES 

Changes to bag and size limits proposed

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KAHULUI –The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings this month on proposed rule changes for Maui and Lanai fisheries bag and size limits. The public hearings — not informational meetings — will be recorded and are designed to collect testimony specific to these rule proposals.

“These proposed rules were developed over several years through consultation with the public, and have been guided by the best available science,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “Effective resource management requires public involvement and the department is committed to gathering and considering all public testimony,” Aila said.

Public hearings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and are scheduled as follows:

• Lanai – Nov. 19 at the Senior Center, 309 7th Street, Lanai City
• Hana – Nov. 20 at Helene Hall, Hana Bay Beach Park, 174 Government Road
• Kahului – Nov. 21 at Maui Waena Intermediate school cafeteria, 795 Onehee Ave

The changes will consist of bag and size limits for several popular nearshore fish, including goatfish, parrotfish (uhu), and Jacks (ulua/papio). In addition to the various bag and size limits, the proposed rules will also include a prohibition on the harvest of blue male uhu for the two large uhu species, and slot limits for omilu.

Draft rules are posted on the DAR website at https://state.hi.us/dlnr/dar/ under “What’s New.”

Anyone interested in providing verbal or written testimony in person should first research the rules prior to attending the hearing.  Questions or concerns may be addressed to Russell Sparks, Maui Aquatic Biologist at (808) 243-5832.

Written and emailed testimony will also be accepted through Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 by email to: [email protected] or

by postal mail to:

Division of Aquatic Resources
130 Mahalani St., Wailuku
HI 96793

Three public information meetings were held on Maui and Lanai last month to explain the proposed rule changes.  After careful review and consideration of all oral and written testimony, the Department may either recommend that the Board of Land and Natural Resources adopt the proposed rules as is, or recommend that changes be made.  Any substantive changes to the proposed rules will be subject to further public review and comment.

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Media Contact:

Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
Phone (808) 587-0320