Department of Land and Natural Resources

HONOLULU – A relatively rare set of weather conditions led to erosion issues this winter in Waikiki, particularly in the area near the Royal Hawaiian Groin. Sam Lemmo, administrator of the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) said, “Weather conditions influence sand deposition in Waikiki. Under normal trade wind conditions, sand generally moves along the shoreline in the Ewa direction. This winter sand has moved in the opposite direction, due to a weather anomaly, resulting in a serious erosion hotspot at the groin.” Kyoya, the owner of the Royal Hawaiian, responded to the “washout” surrounding the stairs, by installing sandbags. Exposed metal on the Royal Hawaiian groin was removed to prevent injuries to ocean users. Late last year, media reports focused on the loss of sand on the beach adjacent to the Kuhio Beach groin.

LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces an open fishing season for rainbow trout in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area (PFA) on Kaua‘i, beginning Saturday, June 20, 2015.

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks is seeking applications for several vacancies on the Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council, a nine-member council appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Senate President to advise the Department on matters relating to the management of Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks.

LIHUE —The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold an informational meeting regarding the design options for improvements to the entry roadway and park roadways in the Polihale State Park.

KAHULUI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invite public review of the Draft West Maui Watershed Plan: Kahana, Honokahua and Honolua Watersheds Characterization Report. The purpose of this report is to evaluate watershed processes and determine land uses and activities that may generate nonpoint source pollutants and alter hydrologic and ecological process in these three watersheds. The report is posted on the West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative website at: https://www.westmauir2r.com/watershed-management-plans.html. Comments are requested by Monday, April 13, 2015 and can be submitted via email to [email protected] or via mail to Group 70 International, Attn: West Maui, 925 Bethel Street, 5th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Kahului, Maui– When Hurricane Iselle stormed through the Hawaiian Islands in August 2014, it left a wide path of destruction in forests from the Big Island of Hawaii to Maui and all the way up the chain to Kauai. Hurricane force winds toppled trees in state forest and natural reserves and in some state Parks. Most of the damage was to stands planted forplantation/timbering purposes and were not native trees.

KAHULUI - 'Iao Valley State Monument on Maui is closed today due to flash flooding concerns Update on park reopening will be issued once State Parks staff have been able to assess conditions in the park.

HILO - A project will start on Monday, March 9 at Wailuku River State Park, Rainbow Falls section to improve the accessible passenger loading zone for buses parking at the park. The improvements include relocating the loading zone away from vehicular flow and a more durable concrete pad. This project will allow those with disabilities a safer, properly designed access to the Rainbow Falls lookout area. Project contractor is Ludwig Construction and cost is $87,600.

At a ceremony at the Hawaii State Capitol today, Governor David Ige proclaimed Invasive Species Awareness Week. This was one part of a day-long celebration to bring attention to the issue of invasive species across the islands and to recognize volunteers, organizations and businesses who continue to play a critical role in addressing what the legislature has described as the biggest threat to life in Hawaii.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks applications for two vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member Commission appointed by the Governor to advise the Department on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program (“Legacy Land”).