Announcements

DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE) participated in the 3rd annual North Shore Ocean Fest, held at Turtle Bay Resort, on Saturday, June 7, 2014. In this video DOCARE officers talk about the educational messages they convey during outreach events.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding the public to respect Hawai‘i’s sea turtles by viewing these protected animals responsibly. The two types of sea turtles most frequently observed in nearshore waters in Hawai‘i are the green sea turtle (honu) and hawksbill (‘ea) sea turtle. Local residents and visitors enjoy being able to view these animals on the beach and in the water.

The North Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit is targeted at fishing education and enforcement along a 13 mile stretch of Maui's north shore. In this video, ride along as officers enforce Hawaii State fishing rules and regulations while spreading the message of sustainable fishing practices.

KAILUA-KONA -- Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers cited the owner of a 47-foot sailing vessel in Kailua Bay on Friday, May 2, for damage caused to coral reef by the vessel’s anchor chain. Approximately 80 feet of chain was in the water, with about 30 to 40 feet in the coral.

HONOLULU –A state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer cited a fisherman for using a throw net with mesh of less than two inches in waters off Aina Haina on Feb. 5. The officer spotted the man fishing with a throw net from shore while on routine patrol.

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 Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) today authorized an civil penalty fine of $2,500 and associated administrative costs of $753 to be assessed against Alexander Aquino, of Captain Cook, for violation of State Parks Hawaii Administrative Rule chapter 13-146-68, which prohibits commercial activities in State Parks without a written permit from the board or the Division of State Parks.

HONOLULU -- According to DLNR Enforcement officers on Maui, today a 43-year old Haiku man, identified as Matt Kinoshita, owner of Kazuma Surfboards, was paddle surfing about 75 yards off Ukumehame in 5 feet of water about 2 p.m. when he saw an 8' tiger shark approaching him from the side with its mouth open. He turned his board toward the shark and ran over its back with the board. Fortunately he did not fall off his board. He lost sight of it and it may have swum in the Kihei direction.

LIHUE -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has noticed a significant increase in illegal vending on state land throughout Kauai County and reminds the public that violations are punishable by a fine and/or jail time. Officers have generally observed illegal venders engaged in commercial activities, selling craft items and other merchandise to members of the public. DOCARE has specifically issued citations at Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls, both areas under the jurisdiction of Division of State Parks.

"We are closing the beach because of the reported aggressive behavior of the shark that was made to lifeguards," said Randy Awo, DOCARE Chief. "This is occurring in the same vicinity of Monday's fatal shark bite incident."