KAHULUI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invite public review of the Draft West Maui Watershed Plan: Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua Watersheds Characterization Report. The purpose of this report is to evaluate watershed processes and determine land uses and activities that may generate nonpoint source pollutants and alter hydrologic and ecological process in these three watersheds. The report is posted on the West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative website at: https://www.westmauir2r.com/watershed-management-plans.html. Comments are requested by Monday, April 13, 2015 and can be submitted via email to [email protected] or via mail to Group 70 International, Attn: West Maui, 925 Bethel Street, 5th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.
News Releases
Kahului, Maui– When Hurricane Iselle stormed through the Hawaiian Islands in August 2014, it left a wide path of destruction in forests from the Big Island of Hawaii to Maui and all the way up the chain to Kauai. Hurricane force winds toppled trees in state forest and natural reserves and in some state Parks. Most of the damage was to stands planted forplantation/timbering purposes and were not native trees.
KAHULUI - 'Iao Valley State Monument on Maui is closed today due to flash flooding concerns Update on park reopening will be issued once State Parks staff have been able to assess conditions in the park.
HILO - A project will start on Monday, March 9 at Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls section to improve the accessible passenger loading zone for buses parking at the park. The improvements include relocating the loading zone away from vehicular flow and a more durable concrete pad. This project will allow those with disabilities a safer, properly designed access to the Rainbow Falls lookout area. Project contractor is Ludwig Construction and cost is $87,600.
At a ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol today, Governor David Ige proclaimed Invasive Species Awareness Week. This was one part of a day-long celebration to bring attention to the issue of invasive species across the islands and to recognize volunteers, organizations and businesses who continue to play a critical role in addressing what the legislature has described as the biggest threat to life in Hawaii.
HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks applications for two vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor to advise the Department on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program (“Legacy Land”).
HILO -- Amateurs and professional lei artists of all ages are invited to demonstrate their lei-making skills in the second annual Kauluwehi Lei Contest 2015, from May 1 to 8. This is a juried lei art contest, award ceremony and exhibition celebrating the native plant species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawaii Island. The event at the Wailoa Center in Hilo, will also feature refreshments, live music, keiki and adult crafts.
Honolulu – What do Hawaiian Airlines, volunteers, a National Guardsman, a property management company, plant quarantine inspectors, and a hui of government agencies all have in common? They are all recipients of Invasive Species Achievement Awards today at the wrap-up of the annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) at the Hawaii State Capitol. In addition a tireless worker is recognized with a 2014 National Invasive Species Achievement Award for her efforts in outreach and education.
HISAW Kaneohe Bay Invasive Algae Control Project
HONOLULU – Little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, albizia trees, rats, mongoose, strawberry guava, coqui frogs, miconia, fireweed and invasive algae all share one common trait. As invasive species, they provide examples of some of the worst offenders among the many plants and animals that pose what the state legislature has declared as “the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.” Hawaii’s isolation has made our island state home to more invasive species than anywhere else in the U.S.