Division of Aquatic Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a statewide online public hearing on proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 13-75 relating to rules regulating the possession and use of certain fishing gear, and chapter 13-60.4 relating to rules for the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area, Hawai‘i.  The proposed amendments to modify HAR chapter 13-75 include: Amending the definition of “lay net” to clarify that a lobster net is a type of lay net; Adding new definitions for “freshwater stream”, “lobster net”, “multi-panel lay net”, and “throw net”; Prohibiting the take of sharks with firearms; Clarifying that akule may be taken with legal throw nets; Removing the existing lay net registration requirement; Establishing a lay net permit requirement and fee for the use and possession of lay nets; Amending special lay net rules that apply to Moloka‘i; Clarifying the authorized penalties for violations of HAR chapter 13-75; and Providing notice of the State’s authority to utilize civil asset forfeiture as an enforcement tool for violations of HAR chapter 13-75. The proposed amendments to modify HAR chapter 13-60.4 include: Adding a new definition for “multi-panel lay net”; Amending special lay net rules that apply to West Hawai‘i; Clarifying the authorized penalties for violations of HAR chapter 13-60.4; and Providing notice of the State’s authority to utilize civil asset forfeiture as an enforcement tool for violations of HAR chapter 13-60.4. In addition, the proposed rules include non-substantive technical amendments for formatting and style.

All interested persons may view the Public Hearing on YouTube.

Interested persons are also urged to participate in the on-line public hearing on March 15, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  There are two ways to participate: by written testimony or by live video or phone testimony.

Written testimony: Persons can mail written testimony by April 1, 2022 to the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813 or submit by email. 

Live video or phone testimony: To be put on the list for live video or phone testimony please email your request.  Please include your email, full name and phone number and a confirmation will be sent to you with instructions and the meeting link and call-in phone number.

Anyone with a hearing impairment who desires to testify, may request assistance of a sign language interpreter.  The request will need to be received at least seven days before the hearing is scheduled to start.  Additional information or a copy of the proposed rules will be mailed at no charge upon receipt of verbal or written request.  The requests may be made in writing (to the DAR address in the preceding paragraph), or by calling 587-0100 (voice or TDD) in Honolulu.

The proposed HAR chapter 13-75 drafted in Ramseyer format can be viewed here.
The proposed HAR chapter 13-60.4 drafted in Ramseyer format can be viewed here.