(Honolulu) – The Waikīkī-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area (SFMA), O‘ahu, will be closed to fishing for one year, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2021. The SFMA encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards. The area is closed to fishing during odd-numbered years.
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(Kailua-Kona) –On Thursday December 31, 2020, the DLNR State Parks Division will be closing Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve and Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula and Kua Bay sections) early at 5 p.m. Closing of the parks early is to discourage fireworks. All fireworks are prohibited in state parks to protect the natural resources of the area. The parks will resume their normal hours on Friday January 1, 2021.
(Lāhainā) – Hawai‘i’s rich collection of unique, native plant species has added a new member to its ranks: a new species has been described for the first time. Only one individual of the new species, named Cyanea heluensis, is currently known from a remote location in West Maui. While exploring the steep slopes of Helu above Lahaina, botanist Hank Oppenheimer and colleague Jennifer Higashino found a single large plant in the deep shade of a healthy ʻōhiʻa forest.
(LĪHU‘E) – For the first time, the more virulent of two fungal pathogens known to cause Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death has been confirmed in the Kōke‘e area along Miloliʻi Ridge Road within Nā Pali Kona Forest Reserve. During helicopter surveys this month, one tree was flagged as highly suspect for the infection that leads to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death.
(Honolulu) – Using new DNA barcoding technology, a pair of shark researchers at the University of Hawai‘i‘s - Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) have determined a tiger shark caused fatal injuries to a 56-year-old Lahaina man, who was bitten at Maui’s Honolua Bay on December 8. Separately, by measuring bite marks on the surfer’s board, they have determined the shark was approximately 14.3-feet-long.
(HONOLULU) – Just before the gate opened at Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM) at 6 a.m., a relatively short string of cars began cueing up. Their passengers, and numerous cyclists and pedestrians became the first visitors to the iconic park, since it was closed exactly nine months ago due to COVID-19 concerns.
(Hilo) – The opening of the 2020-2021 Game Bird Hunting Season at the Kahua/Ponoholo Ranch Cooperative Game Management Area will begin on Saturday, December 19, 2020. This game bird hunting season will run through Sunday, January 17, 2021, with legal hunting days on Saturdays and Sundays, only. The hunting area will be open from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. All hunters must be checked out of the area by 5:00 pm as the gates will be locked at that time. During this season, the areas that are open for hunting may change on a weekly basis as cattle operations are actively taking place.
(Kahului, Maui) – After receiving an anonymous tip a pair of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) cited a 37-year-old Kahului resident on suspicion of selling undersized ahi. The species is one of the most popular food fish in Hawai‘i.
(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is releasing Holomua: Marine 30x30, a place-based approach to enhance nearshore fisheries and improve fishing opportunities. This is DAR’s nearshore strategic plan to restore marine resources that support traditional Hawaiian practices, the island economy, and the livelihoods of many residents. The Roadmap to Holomua: Marine 30x30 outlines programs and activities by DAR and its partners to achieve effective management of nearshore waters with at least 30% established as marine management areas by 2030.
(HONOLULU) – Diamond Head State Monument’s (DHSM) unprecedented closure, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comes to an end on Thursday, Dec. 17, exactly nine months since the gates were closed.