Department of Land and Natural Resources

(HONOLULU) – A new animated video highlights the success story of how biocontrol, a process where a carefully selected living organism is used to control an invasive species, helped to save the native Wiliwili tree. The video, produced by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) in collaboration with the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, also shows how biocontrol can continue to be an important tool in managing invasive species in Hawaiʻi.

(HONOLULU) – Following more than a year of outreach, and two public hearings, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) today approved amended rules for commercial surfing instruction at Kahalu‘u Bay on Hawai‘i Island’s Kona coast.

(HONOLULU) – In May 2021, a barge operated by Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc. was anchored near the entrance to Honolulu Harbor for dredging operations. In the process, the barge’s anchors and cables broke or damaged over 15,000 corals and 140-square yards of live rock.

(HONOLULU) – Fishers will now have to obtain a permit from the DLNR to use lay nets in State waters, effective ten days after the governor signs off. This rule change, approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) today, eliminates the requirement that lay net fishers register each lay net with the department. For Hawai‘i residents, active-duty military personnel and their family members, annual lay net permits will be issued free of charge. Nonresidents will be charged a $25 fee.

(PU‘U MAKA‘ALA NATURAL AREA RESERVE) – This high-elevation Natural Area Reserve is one of six locales on Hawai‘i Island where teams from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and the University of Hawai‘i Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) are trapping mosquitoes to detect the presence of avian malaria.

(WAIMEA) – Today, day three of training on Hawai‘i Island, home assessors are conducting community wildfire risk assessments. These are not your typical home assessors who determine the value of your place, but specially trained people who will conduct free reviews of how safe a property and its structures are from the threat of wildfires. 

(Kailua-Kona) – The 5th International Symposium on Anchialine Ecosystems is underway on Hawai‘i Island, where more than 125 scientists, students, community members, and resource managers, from across Hawai‘i and around the world, have gathered to share knowledge and information about anchialine pools. 

(Kailua-Kona) – A 52-year-old man, who recently relocated to Hawai‘i from the mainland, was cited Tuesday by a trio of State and federal agencies after his dog was captured on videotape harassing a Hawaiian monk seal at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park on Oct. 10.

(HONOLULU) – After two “virtual” years of celebation, ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest returns with numerous in-person events across Hawaiʻi. The theme of this year's festivities is Mōhala, or the unfurling of the lehua. It is a life stage of the blossoming lehua, but it also represents how we are emerging out of COVID with a new celebration.  

(Kahului) - More than 140 recreational fishers gave up four hours of their Friday night to talk story about marine management on Maui.