“We plan to keep this heavily used ramp open during the holiday season, to accommodate local fishers, who want to launch into the waters off western Maui when there’s an increase in demand for access and certain fish stocks,” said William J. Aila, DLNR chairperson. “We have assurances from our Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation that it is physically possible for the ramp and existing piers to remain open and usable until the repair project start date.”

"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.

Honolulu – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding Hawaii boaters they now have a year’s time to take a boating safety course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the State of Hawaii.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Hawaii Administrative Rule Chapter 13-244 on Oct. 30, 2012. This law provided for a two-year period before the rule could be enforced to allow the DLNR time to develop multiple compliance methods and give the boating community time to make use of those methods to become compliant.

 

HONOLULU — The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program was recently awarded the PlantPono/Invasive Plants Advocacy Award from the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii for having the vision to support the Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment, which has transitioned from being a UH research project to one of the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council's key prevention projects.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of residents and visitors that may be affected by this project,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator.

“We will keep this heavily used facility open ramp open to accommodate local fishers who want to launch into the waters off western Maui during the holiday season when demand for access and certain fish stocks is high,” said William J. Aila, DLNR chairperson. “We have assurances from our Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, the agency that maintains and manages the facility, that it is physically possible for the ramp and existing piers to remain open and usable until the repair project start date.”

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Downer to the post of SHPD administrator,” Aila said, “With extensive experience as director for one of the nation’s largest historic preservation agencies, Downer brings tremendous experience in leadership to the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division. I also believe his qualifications will provide SHPD with much needed direction on working with the National Park Service to meet requirements under its Corrective Action Plan.”

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.