Department of Land and Natural Resources

HONOLULU – The Nominating Committee for the State Commission on Water Resource Management (“Water Commission”) is accepting applications for one position on the Commission. The Nominating Committee will review the applications and send the names of not less than three (3) qualified individuals to the Governor, who will nominate one person for the vacant position. The term of the new appointee will begin after the Governor selects from the list of qualified applicants. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate in 2015. The remaining term for this position will expire on June 30, 2016.

HONOLULU – Two of Hawaii’s leading authorities on water conservation and energy efficiency jointly announce the distribution of two new handbooks written for Hawaii’s water and wastewater utilities that can help save up to 20 percent, or $16.1 million, in electricity costs annually – enough to power 9,400 homes in Hawaii.

HONOLULU –The people of Tanohata Village, in the Iwate Prefecture, on Japan’s northeast coast “are slowly, but surely walking on the path to recovery as a united body,”according to Tanohata Village Mayor Hiroshi Ishihara. The tiny village was devestated by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) today reopened the Makawao and Kula forest reserves on Maui, including Polipoli Spring State Park. Both forest reserves are open and all clear, however a flash flood watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. tonight for parts of Maui.

LIHUE, Hawaii –The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to attend an informational meeting regarding the construction to restore a breached stream bank in the Hanalei River.

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the following closures of state park and forest areas over the weekend as a safety precaution due to the anticipated arrival of a tropical weather system that may bring heavy rains and possible flash flooding to the island chain. Based upon the latest advisory from the National Weather Service, between 5 to 10 and even up to 12 inches of rain may be expected in some areas.

LIHU‘E –The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces the opening of black-tailed deer hunting season on the island of Kaua‘i. Rules and conditions regulating game mammal hunting in Title 13, Chapter 123, will be in effect. Due to the Appellate Court ruling, each hunter will be permitted to take only one (1) antlered buck deer (3-inch antler minimum) during the 2014 season, either during the archery, muzzleloader rifle or regular rifle seasons. Both application and tag fees for the 2014 Kaua‘i black-tailed deer season will be waived.

HONOLULU –As the North Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit (CFEU) marked its first full year of operation, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui surprised the unique unit with a commendation* that applauds the three-officer team for its success in combining focused enforcement with education and public trust-building.

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the nominations of Vernon Char, Ulalia Woodside and Christopher Yuen to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR). All are interim appointments effective immediately and are subject to state Senate approval.

Today, representatives of the Division of Land and Natural Resources/Division of State Parks and the nonprofit Pacific Historic Parks dedicated a new Interpretive Kiosk and Gift Shop in Diamond Head Crater. It represents a creative and collaborative project to enhance the visitor experience at one of Hawaii's most iconic geological features and landmark destinations. Diamond Head or Le'ahi is among the most recognizable and cherished landmarks representing Hawaii to the world. IN 2013, visitors to the park frequently exceeded 3,000 people a day, making it one of the most heavily visited destinations in the state.