(Honolulu) – Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and other marine animals that frequent our shores have largely had near-shore waters and beaches to themselves for the past six weeks. With today’s announcement of the reopening of select DLNR Division of State Parks units across the state, park managers and aquatic biologists are reminding people to be respectful of the places we share with Hawai‘i’s treasured marine creatures.
State Parks
(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of State Parks is re-opening select parks and monuments across the state with an emphasis on social distancing and exercise and continued restrictions on gatherings of any sort. The announcement is in line with Governor Ige’s emergency rules, as well as advice from the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health.
(Kailua-Kona) – 35-year-old Jason Fujioka of Kea‘au was arrested on Saturday by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) after a private company reported the theft of its 50-foot-long vessel Noa Noa.
(Honolulu) – Two, 21-year-old men from Honolulu were cited late yesterday for entering a closed area – Diamond Head State Monument. The individuals were escorted out of the park by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) through the park’s main entrance.
(Honolulu) – Governor David Ige today, issued a Fifth Supplementary Proclamation to his Emergency Rules. This one includes limitations on activities outside homes or places of residence and closes all beaches in Hawai‘i.
(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) – 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.
(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.