News Releases

LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will open this year’s season for plum harvesting at Koke‘e State Park, Kaua‘i on Friday, July 4. “This year the plum crop is poor and small,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator. Permits to harvest will be available starting at 7 a.m. on July 4 at the Koke‘e State Park headquarters. There is no cost but forms must be completed and dropped in the box after harvesting.

A small infestation of the invasive little fire ant (LFA) was confirmed in late May and has been undergoing treatment at a hotel in Wailea, Maui. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) detected the infestation, which was confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

To address the koloa’s future, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the University of Hawaii Pacific Studies Cooperative Unit on The Koloa Project. The project attempts to provide steps that will ensure its ultimate survival as one of three remaining native waterfowl species in Hawaii (the others being the Hawaiian nene or goose, and Laysan duck).

HILO –The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting applications from interested person for vacant seats on the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program Advisory Council on Hawaii Island.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding the public to respect Hawai‘i’s sea turtles by viewing these protected animals responsibly. The two types of sea turtles most frequently observed in nearshore waters in Hawai‘i are the green sea turtle (honu) and hawksbill (‘ea) sea turtle. Local residents and visitors enjoy being able to view these animals on the beach and in the water.

HONOLULU –Even wildlife biologists have a tough time telling the difference between the endangered koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and the common mallard. Cross-breeding or hybridization between the two species is the primary reason the endemic koloa is endangered.

KAILUA-KONA, HI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin two repair projects addressing tsunami damage at its West Hawaii boating facilities, starting May 27 at Kailua-Kona Pier and June 9 at Keauhou Small Boat Harbor. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) may require qualified professional consultants to provide planning, architectural, engineering (all disciplines), land surveying, land appraisal, landscape architectural, construction management and/or other related professional services for its Capital Improvement Program and/or operating budget projects appropriated during fiscal year (FY) 2015 (July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015). DLNR’s solicitation for FY15 Professional Services for CIP and operating budget projects has been posted on the State Procurement Office website at: https://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices/dlnr-fy15

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Legacy Land Conservation Program is seeking applicants for grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to support the protection, through acquisition, of lands having value as a resource to the State of Hawai‘i. The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides an annual source of funding for the acquisition and conservation of watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat protection; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will enforce the state boating rule over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, from May 24 to 26, 2014 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), that prohibits the possession, use or consumption of alcohol; loud, abusive or disorderly conduct; and the presence of persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or non-prescription drugs in an area designated as the Ahu o Laka safety zone (also known as the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) in Kane‘ohe Bay.