HONOLULU –The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) are advising people to be “dolphin smart.”To avoid potential harassment of spinner dolphins, ocean and beach goers should keep the recommended distance of 150 feet (50 yards) when observing dolphins in the wild. Hawaiian spinner dolphins move near shore into bays and coves during the day to rest, care for their young, and avoid predators. During this time it is important not to disturb them as these activities are critical to their survival. At night they move offshore to feed.
News Releases
HONOLULU –As a four-person delegation representing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) visits Hawaii this week, the state is showcasing its position as the anchor of the Pacific in a bid to host the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress. The congress is the world’s leading summit on the environment.
HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed vehicular access on the Molokai State Forest Reserve – Maunahui access road from the hunters’ check station to the Makakupaia gate – due to unsafe road conditions caused by the recent heavy rains. Forest use activities such as hiking and hunting are still accessible.
HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks in partnership with PBR HAWAII, invites the public to informational meetings about the 2014 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Hawaii updates the SCORP every five years to remain eligible to receive funds for outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal grants program administered by the National Park Service.
LIHUE, Kauai – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is responding to and investigating reports received on Monday of between 500-800 dead and dying lanternfish (Myctophid) and squid near Nawiliwili.
KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII -- A coral species new to the main Hawaiian Islands has been discovered in West Hawaii by a research team of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources divers, under the leadership of senior biologist Dr. Bill Walsh.
HONOLULU – The nominating committee for the state Commission on Water Resource Management (Water Commission) is still accepting applications for one (1) position on the commission, starting July 1, 2014. The nominating committee will review the applications and send the names of not less than three qualified individuals to the Governor, who will nominate one person for the vacant position. Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks reopened the Keawaula beach section of Kaena Point State Park at 9 a.m. this morning, on recommendation of County lifeguards. This beach was closed since Tuesday for public safety due to forecast large waves for the north and leeward coasts of Oahu. Driving caution is recommended since there is sand on the park road.
LIHUE -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking for the public‘s help in identifying the owner(s) of two dogs recently seen attacking ground-nesting Laysan albatrosses in Moloa’a, Kauai. They were photographed and the image is posted on fliers that are being distributed in the community, starting Friday. Since December, a string of albatross killings has been reported at two coastal properties on the northeast shores of Kauai. A total of 17 birds were found mauled to death at Moloaa by dogs this season.
HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks (State Parks) in partnership with PBR HAWAII, is inviting the public to participate in a survey designed to assess Hawai‘i’s outdoor recreation trends, needs and priorities.