Department of Land and Natural Resources

(HONOLULU) – Extensive, mass coral bleaching across the entire Hawaiian archipelago is prompting the development of a comprehensive coral reef management plan for near-shore waters in the main Hawaiian Islands. Dr. Bruce Anderson, the administrator for the DLNR Division of Aquatic (DAR) Resources explained, “Coral bleaching in some parts of Hawaii is unprecedented in recorded history, placing our corals at much greater risk of dying. We need to ensure our reefs are as healthy and resilient as possible to maximize the chances of recovery.” However, in a response to a recent inquiry, Anderson added “Aquarium fish collecting is not thought to contribute significantly to the problem, while declines in populations of large-scale coral scraping herbivores such as parrot fish (uhu) are a significant issue for our reef health.”

(HONOLULU) – The DLNR introduces the Hawai‘i Climate Adaptation Portal, a website which includes a vast wealth information on climate change and how it is impacting Hawaii and other coastal states and locations around the world as well as all things related to the Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee (ICAC). The Hawaiian name for the site is Pili Na Mea a Pau, which translated means, “all things are related.” Sam Lemmo, the administrator of the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands and Co-chair of the ICAC said, “The impacts of climate change are far reaching and will have dramatic effects on Hawaii’s economy, health, environment and way of life. These impacts are all related and it’s important that we consider them all as we prepare adaptation strategies.”

HONOLULU - The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is following through to finalize a lease termination with Honey Bee USA, Inc. effective November 15, 2015, for the use of just over three acres of dry and submerged lands at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. It was the intended location of a proposed redevelopment project known as “Waikiki Landing.” The project was to have included wedding chapels, restaurants, retail and office space, a boat repair facility and fuel dock.

HONOLULU -- In response to the concerns of community members regarding the status of ocean recreation regulations in Maunalua Bay, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is taking the next step to establish the Maunalua Bay Recreation Advisory Committee (M-RAC).

(HONOLULU) – While workers associated with the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island begin maintenance and repair activities, hunting and other recreational activities and research also continue on the mountain. Suzanne Case, Chairperson of the Department of Land and Natural Resources said, “Mauna Kea is very much a multiple-use area for a wide array of cultural, recreational and research activities. Our goal is to ensure that people on the mountain conduct themselves responsibly and with respect for other users. As local workers prepare to begin work at the TMT site, we want to remind people of other simultaneous activities that may be occurring on the mountain.”

(HANALEI, KAUAI) – Hanalei Stream is again flowing freely and within its banks after the completion of a multi-million dollar stream restoration project. Hanalei is one of only two EPA National Heritage rivers west of the Rockies. A breach in its bank, 20 years ago, diverted water from the stream and often flooded adjacent properties after heavy rains. This break also reduced stream flow entering an intake pipe that provides water for Hawaii’s largest taro growing complex, and habitat for endangered native birds within the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.

HONOLULU – Two well-known and popular community locations in Honokaa, Hawaii were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places:

Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, November 3, 2015) A historic project more than 30 years in the making took place on Kauaʻi’s north shore on Monday when 10 downy endangered Hawaiian Petrel chicks were flown by helicopter from their montane nesting area to a new colony protected by a predator-proof fence at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

KAMUELA, HAWAII ­ — The public is invited to an Arbor Day plant sale on Friday, November 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife Kamuela State Tree Nursery, located at 66-1220-A Lalamilo Rd. in Kamuela.

LIHU‘E ­ — The public is invited to an Arbor Day plant sale on November 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife baseyard and nursery at 4398-D Pua Loke St. (follow the palm trees past the Dept. of Water and Dept. of Agriculture offices).