KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI‘I – A public information meeting planned this weekend to discuss new, proposed rules for the Makako Bay and Keauhou manta ray viewing sites has been rescheduled due to the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Lester. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Boating and Ocean Recreation Division (DOBOR) will now hold the meeting on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palamanui Campus of Windward Community College, 73-4255 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Room B-126, in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i.
Aquatic Resources
(Honolulu) - The popularity of self-guided or commercial tours that offer marine-life encounters with turtles, dolphins, whales, manta rays, and even sharks, brings large numbers of Hawai‘i visitors and residents into close proximity with wild creatures. Many people aren’t aware of how their behaviors could hurt them or wild animals, or impact the creatures habitats.
(Haʻena, Kauai) — The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has finalized the management plan for the Hāʻena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) and will brief the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) on the outcomes of the public comment process and the final management plan at its regular meeting on August 26th, 2016.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is supporting a proposed rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which would prohibit approaching a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards by any means. This would include commercial swim- with-dolphins programs.
KAILUA-KONA -- Governor David Ige signed a new rule last week to create a new marine reserve at Ka‘ūpūlehu, on the west coast of Hawaii island. The rule will take effect on Friday, July 29.
(HONOLULU) – When canoe paddlers and other volunteers from Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii arrive to clean up the mess at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park on Oahu tomorrow, staff from the DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will be on hand to provide expertise and assistance. The beach park is not under State jurisdiction. Beginning in 1953 a series of Executive Orders (EO’s) transferred control of Keehi Lagoon Beach Park and its nearshore waters from the State to the City and County of Honolulu.
HONOLULU -- Environmental Court Judge Linda Luke in Honolulu District Court imposed a fine of $205 on July 8, upon a defendant who was apprehended taking undersize papio. The case stems from September 2015, when a Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) officer observed the defendant, Konsida Pelep, taking an undersized papio while fishing with a handline in the Diamond Head area. Upon making contact and inspecting Pelep’s catch, the DOCARE officer discovered six (6) undersized papio. Papio is the Hawaiian term used to identify juvenile phase ulua, which can grow to over 150 pounds. The largest of Pelep’s six fish measured nine inches, weighing less than two pounds.
HONOLULU — Hawai‘i Governor David Ige today signed Senate Bill 2453 authorizing alternative sentencing for aquatic violations. The new law provides clear legal authority to judges, allowing them to more effectively tailor sentences when aquatics statutes are violated. The bill covers most regulations under the jurisdiction of the DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, including most fisheries violations. Judges will still be able to impose jail time or fine defendants. Now they’ll also be able to sentence offenders to an educational course or resource-specific community service work.
Governor David Ige proclaimed June 15, 2016 as Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Day in Hawaii. This is in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the designation of the Monument. Representatives from co-management agencies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, along with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs attended a ceremony at the Governor’s Office this morning.
Summer is here and with it comes sea turtle nesting season! As a result, you may witness increased sea turtle activity, including mating in nearshore waters, as well as more basking (resting) on beaches. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, and the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds everyone — locals and visitors alike — to respect our sea turtles, at all times of the year.