Amendments to the lay net rules (Section 13-75-12.4, Hawaii Administrative Rules) took effect on March 11, 2023, which replaced the lay net registration requirement with an annual lay net permit. From this point on, all users of lay nets in Hawaii will be required to first obtain a lay net permit through the Division of ...
Read More Update: Lay net permit requirement now in effect, FAQ and marking directions available

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) will hold a statewide hybrid Zoom public hearing with an in-person host site on Maui to collect testimony on proposed amendments to: Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-31, “Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, ...
Read More Public hearing scheduled for the proposed amendment and compilation of HAR 13-31, “Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District, Maui,” 13-230, “General Provisions,” and 13-257, “Day-Use Mooring Rules”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings on the proposed amendment and compilation of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-74, “License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products.” The main purposes for the proposed amendments are to: Establish and add provisions ...
Read More Public hearing scheduled for proposal to amend and compile HAR 13-74, “License and permit provisions and fees for fishing, fish, and fish products”

Taʻape (Lutjanus kasmira) were first introduced by the Hawaiʻi Territorial Government in the 1950’s from French Polynesia to supplement Hawai‘i’s local fisheries. While taʻape was one of dozens of species introduced to Hawaiʻi, none of the others have attained such numbers in the ensuing decades. Taʻape can now be found in large schools throughout the ...
Read More DAR announces the Taʻape Throwdown fishing tournament September 9-10 on Kauaʻi

UPDATE: Due to the ongoing wildfire recovery efforts on Maui, this public hearing has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 2, 2023. A detailed announcement outlining how to participate and provide testimony will be posted to the DAR website once the official public hearing notice is published in the Star Advertiser. The Department of Land and ...
Read More Public hearing notice for proposed adoption of Hawaii Administrative Rules 13-60.11, “Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area, Maui”

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on the national marine sanctuary designation process for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. DAR is providing continuing updates about the sanctuary designation process that began in 2021. A national marine sanctuary would be an additional ...
Read More Update on sanctuary designation for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings on the proposed amendment and compilation of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-74, “License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products.” The proposed amendments include: Adding new definitions for “baitfish,” “baitfishing report,” “catch report,” ...
Read More Public hearings scheduled for proposal to amend and compile Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 13-74, “License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings on the proposed amendment and compilation of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-95, updating rules for manini, kala, uhu, and pāpa‘i kualoa (Kona crab), establishing rules for kole, and updating the chapter with other various housekeeping amendments. The ...
Read More Public hearings scheduled for proposal to amend fishing regulations for manini, kole, kala, uhu, and pāpaʻi kualoa (Kona crab)

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings on the proposed adoption of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-78, establishing provisions for the Ocean Stewardship User Fee. The proposed new chapter will implement §187A-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which requires all operators of commercial vessels, watercrafts, or ...
Read More Public hearings scheduled for proposed adoption of HAR 13-78 implementing the Ocean Stewardship User Fee

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will hold an in-person meeting (with remote option) on Thursday, May 25 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor and Community Center. The meeting is open to the public. WHAT: Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting WHEN:    Thursday, ...
Read More Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to host public meeting