Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release October 23, 2017

 

DLNR STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO TODAY’S PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS FILED BY RENE UMBERGER, ET. AL.

HONOLULU –  In response to today’s filing of a petition for a writ of mandamus with the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court by the plaintiffs in Umberger v. DLNR, the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources provides the following statement:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has consistently stated its belief that existing aquarium fishing practices are sustainable and environmentally sound.  And DLNR appreciates that dozens of local businesses and families depend on the industry for their livelihoods.

Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Crabtree ruled last week that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not require immediate closure of the industry and destruction of those jobs without consideration of the scientific facts regarding harm to the environment. 

The appeal sought by petitioners today does not allow DLNR to respond unless the Supreme Court directs it to do so.  DLNR will provide more information to either the Supreme Court or the Circuit Court as requested and will promptly comply with any orders from either court.

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Media contact:

Dan Dennison
Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0407