(Honolulu) – “Blatant disrespect,” by some people over the Easter Weekend three-day holiday has led to the immediate closing of all Hawai‘i Offshore Islets, which are all State Wildlife Sanctuaries. This includes the popular Mokulua Islets off of Kailua and Lanikai beaches. In addition, the Ahu o Laka (Kaneohe sandbar), is also closing immediately.
DOCARE
(Honolulu) – Over the past few weeks, on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island, officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) have cited 34 people for violations of State Parks rules, self-quarantine and and the governor’s stay-at-home orders, associated with the COVID-19 crisis.
(Honolulu) – With today’s announcement that community spread of COVID-19 is likely happening in Hawai‘i, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has suspended all commercial operator permits until further notice.
(Honolulu) – Two men from O‘ahu’s North Shore were cited yesterday by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), after they were allegedly caught picking ‘opihi in the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). It is illegal to remove any marine life from an MLCD.
(Honolulu) – Out of an abundance of caution and to facilitate social distancing recommendations, DLNR and its divisions are announcing the following closures to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time of major inconvenience. We intend to reopen parks and facilities as soon as the novel coronavirus is no longer a threat. These steps are being taken to protect all visitors and constituents, as well as our staff, while maintaining a high level of service.”
(Honolulu) – A taxi driver, operating in Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM) was arrested this morning by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). 69-year-old Eliu Kesi of Honolulu faces charges of Resisting an Order to Stop a Motor Vehicle, a misdemeanor and Reckless Driving of a Vehicle, a petty misdemeanor. His bail has been set at $2000.
(Kawaihae) - On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) received information concerning the illegal harvesting of aquarium fish offshore of Kawaihae, Hawai’i County. Acting on the information received, DOCARE Officers conducted a commercial fishing gear and catch inspection of the vessel “Masako” when it returned to the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) personnel also responded to assist with the inspection.
(Li‘hue) – The Miloli‘i Road gate and the Nu‘alolo Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park on Kaua‘i, will be closed beginning tonight. They are expected to reopen Thursday morning. The closure is at the request of the Kaua‘i Police Dept. and the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and is necessary for a law enforcement operation.
(Hilo) – 129 anglers, or all ages, registered for the week-long Wailoa River Tilapia Fishing Tournament, staged by the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and other partners. It wrapped up yesterday with an awards and outreach event at the Wailoa Art Center.
(Honolulu) - Anyone who witnessed or has information on a case of Hawaiian monk seal harassment is encouraged to call the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) or NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE).