HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), and the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service (USFS) are seeking public comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) in connection with a proposed management plan for Laupāhoehoe forest on the island of Hawaiʻi.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed those portions of land within Kipuka ‘Ainahou and Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and public hunting areas, situated at Humu‘ula, Hawai‘i and belonging to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL).

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources is pleased to announce the opening of archery, muzzleloader, and regular rifle hunting seasons for feral goats on the island of Kaua‘i. Pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123 “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” the following rules and conditions will be in effect for the hunt:

(Honolulu) – Seventeen Hawaii hunter education instructors were honored today by DLNR Chair Suzanne Case and First Deputy Director Kekoa Kaluhiwa during a service award presentation kicking off Hawaii’s annual instructor meeting. The volunteer instructors, responsible for training youth and adult hunters at 75 classes annually, were recognized with awards for from 50 hours of service to 4500 hours of service. In total, the awards presented today represent more than 20,000 hours of combined, total service.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the opening of the 2016 Spring Bearded Turkey hunting season this week. The spring season will run for 46 consecutive days through Friday, April 15, 2016.

(HONOLULU) - Hawaii’s 4th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) wrapped up today with a ceremony in Governor David Ige’s office to recognize people and organizations who’ve been instrumental in the fight against invasive species.

(HONOLULU) – The officer who has been acting as DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), Hawaii Branch Chief for the past year and a half has been appointed permanently to the position. DOCARE Chief Thomas Friel said, “It is my honor and privilege to announce the selection of Lino Kamakau as DOCARE’s Hawaii Island Branch Chief, effective immediately.”

(Kahului, Maui) - Enforcement Officers with the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit (CFEU) will be at the Maui Mall on February 27, 2016 from 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to help educate fishers about Hawaii’s fishing laws. Information on Maui specific rules for uhu or parrot fish species and goat fish species such as kumu, moano kea, and weke will be available.

(SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii) – The U.S. Army and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) conducted a joint airlift operation, Wednesday, to protect Oahu’s native plants and animals.

(Kahului, Maui) - DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers will be at two Maui boat ramps this weekend to help teach ocean users about humpback whales, monk seals, sea turtles, and other marine protected species.