Haleakalā, Maui; September 30, 2019) In a bold action aimed at saving the endangered Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill, or Pseudonestor xanthophrys), in October four conservation partners will begin translocating both captive-bred and wild birds to a restored forest with the goal of creating a second, “insurance” population for this species. The Kiwikiu has declined by over 50 percent in recent years, and fewer than 312 birds remain in the wild.
(Honolulu) – Deer hunting enthusiasts can soon apply to hunt for the new season. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces that application forms for the 2019 Lana’i Axis deer hunting season, together with instruction sheets, will be available at all DOFAW Offices statewide beginning next Monday September 30, 2019.
(Kailua-Kona) – The largest cruise ship to ever make a port call to Kailua-Kona, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, with well over 4,000 passengers onboard will anchor in Kailua Bay from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m. on Sunday, September 29th and begin tendering passengers to the Kailua Pier.
This September, seven additional ʻAlalā were released into the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve (NAR) on the windward slopes of Mauna Loa.
(Honolulu)-In 1988 National Estuaries Day began to help promote the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them. It was decided in 2013 to expand the day of celebration of estuaries into a week-long event.
(Līhuʻe) – On Sunday September 8, 2019 at the King Kaumualiʻi Elementary School Cafeteria with the help of Congresswoman Cowden, the DLNR Kaua’i Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) held an informational meeting regarding the timeline and plan for the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve Loop Road repair work. It was a great opportunity to hear the community interest and hopes for this area. DOFAW Kaua'i wishes to work better with open communication so that our actions in the future will help create a positive space for the community and future generations to enjoy.
(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) is investigating the possible destruction of four, endangered Hawaiian ʻānunu vines in the Mauna Loa Forest Reserve on the backside of Pu‘u Huluhulu. This is where thousands of protesters have been illegally blocking Mauna Kea Access Road since mid-July. In addition to the alleged cutting of these vines, DOCARE officers found evidence that other rare plants have been trampled, either inadvertently or intentionally.
(Honolulu) – The severe and widespread coral bleaching event predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is already occurring along reefs across the state. Last week, a team from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) conducted a rapid assessment of coral health at Molokini and along Maui’s south shore from Makena to Maalaea.
(Honolulu) – Fee increases for users of Hawai‘i small boat harbors and boating facilities will be implemented soon, after they were signed into law by Governor David Ige on August 13, 2019. “Our goal was to set fees that are fair according to use,” said Ed Underwood, Administrator for DLNR's Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). "DOBOR is only allowed to collect fees to pay for expenses of operating, maintaining, and managing our facilities. The revenues from the fee increases over time will help to reduce the significant backlog of deferred maintenance so we can make our harbors safe and appealing once again.”
(Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area) - 45 women, mostly from Hawai‘i, spent the last few days being schooled in outdoor skills during the first-ever “Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW)” retreat in Hawai’i. This is the Aloha State’s initial foray into a 20-year-old international program that sponsors skill-development weekends in 41 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven other countries.