Department of Land and Natural Resources

KAUNAKAKAI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources invites the public to attend an information meeting on Monday, Jan. 6, regarding a community proposal to designate Mo‘omomi as a Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area. The proposal consists of a management plan and proposed fishing rules to protect the island’s subsistence fisheries for future generations. The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mitchell Pau‘ole Community Center at 90 Ainoa St. in Kaunakakai.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is asking the public to comply with state and federal “no feeding, no approach” rules to protect a Hawaiian monk seal pup that has recently been seen in harbors along Oahu’s south shore.   This 8-month-old seal with red flipper tags N36/N37 was born in May 2013 on the reef runway beach outside of Keehi lagoon. Also known as “U`ilani” (which means royal beauty in Hawaiian), it has recently been seen in Keehi, Kewalo, and Ala Wai small boat harbors interacting with boat owners and resting under the docks. She may also have been seen in Honolulu harbor.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the opening of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, O‘ahu, to fishing for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2014, and ending Dec.31, 2014. The Fisheries Management Area encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release December 11, 2013 MALE, 29, BIT BY SHARK WHILE AT ...
Read More 12/11/13 – Male 29, Bit By Shark While At Punaluu Beach Park, Hawaii

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold statewide public hearings to amend Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) relating to stony coral and live rock. The proposed amendments would clarify what activities constitute "damage" to stony coral and live rock, and establish a formula for calculating administrative penalties for such violations.

MAKENA -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is closing the nearshore waters of Makena State Park today, as of 12 noon, due to a report of a large shark exhibiting aggressive behavior which chased two spear fishermen out of the water. The area closed is from Ahihi Bay to Makena Landing, a mile in either direction from the location of the report.

HONOLULU -- A Waipahu fisherman was charged and sentenced at Waianae District Court on Nov. 25, 2013, for violating Hawaii Administrative Rule (H.A.R.) 13-95-22(a) that prohibits the take or possession of any ulua less than 10 inches in length. Lionel Tunac, 52, pled guilty to the charge and was fined $250. This violation is a petty misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.

"We are not sure why these bites are occurring more frequently than normal, especially around Maui. That’s why we are conducting a two-year study of shark behavior around Maui that may give us better insights,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson. “It is our hope and expectation that numbers of incidents will return to a more normal range in the near future.”

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reminds the fishing public that the season for ‘ama‘ama (striped mullet) will be closed from Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, through Monday, March 31, 2014.

NOTICE: The DAR office will be CLOSED on December 3-5, 2013 Fishing licenses will not be issued during this time. To report resource violations please call (808) 643-3567 To report ...
Read More NOTICE: The DAR office will be CLOSED on December 3-5, 2013