Department of Land and Natural Resources

(LĪHUʻE) – After fielding countless complaints over the course of several years about illegal or unpermitted wedding photography happening on county and state lands, today commercial photographers got their permitting questions answered. 

(HONOLULU) – A roughly 300-acre parcel mauka (upland) of the Hawaiʻi Loa and Niu Valley subdivisions has been officially designated as a new Hawai‘i State Natural Area Reserve (NAR). Governor David Ige signed an Executive Order on February 3, creating the Pia Valley NAR.  

(KIHEI) - Four mineral sunblock dispensers are up on this Valentine’s Day on south Maui shores, encouraging all to “love the ocean the right way.” Two are at the ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u  Natural Area Reserve and a pair are to be installed at Mākena State Park. Thousands of people enter the ocean at these locations every day. 

(Off the west coast of Maui) – Exclamations of glee and ear-to-ear grins are the order of the day, as passengers on a commercial whale watching tour are treated to tail slaps, breaches, and blows. An estimated 40 whale watch companies operate in Maui Nui, and as big as the ocean is…it can get crowded…for humpback whales. 

(HONOLULU) – It all started last October, when people began seeing bag after bag of rubbish floating in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor or within the trash catchment at the harbor’s mouth. 

(OLINDA, MAUI) – Bird conservation projects across Hawai‘i rely entirely on government funding, as well as grants from non-government organizations and donations from non-profits. It’s a constant struggle to stay financially afloat, particularly in the face of serious threats to numerous forest bird species. 

(Hilo) - The opening of the 2022 spring bearded turkey hunting season begins on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The spring season will run for 46 consecutive days through Friday, April 15, 2022. The spring season will be for bearded turkeys only, in locations identified below.

(LĪHU‘E) – Almost four years after Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) was first detected in a lower-elevation forest in northeast Kaua’i, the fungus known to exclusively infect ʻōhiʻa has been found in a dead ʻōhiʻa in the pristine wilderness area of the Alakaʻi at 4,100-feet elevation. 

(KAPALUA, MAUI) – A conflict between private property rights and recreational access along the rugged Nāpili coast, highlights the competing interests and strong emotions often evident in these disputes. 

(HONOLULU) – This week, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and a private contractor finished moving more than 70 coral colonies and numerous individual corals out of the path of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) channel dredging operation in Honolulu Harbor, days before the dredging operation was to commence.

(Hilo) – Archery hunting in the Pu‘u Anahulu Game Management Area (GMA) will begin on Saturday, March 5, 2022, and continue on weekends and state holidays through Sunday, June 26, 2022. 

(Līhuʻe) - The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold an online community meeting for the 5-year evaluation of the Hā‘ena Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA). The meeting will feature presentations from DAR staff, researchers from University of Hawaii, and Hui Makaainana O Makana.

(Honolulu) – Invasive species have a devastating effect on the state’s agriculture, food self-sufficiency, freshwater quality and quantity, human health, and on the health of native species and ecosystems. February 1st marks the start of Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM).

(Kailua-Kona) – On the slopes of Hualālai above the bustle of Kailua-Kona, an important forested watershed is being restored. The Honuaʻula State Forest Reserve, first created in 1906 and greatly expanded in 2006, now covers 8,000 acres of land critical to the well being of the people, plants, and animals within and nearby.

(Kapolei) - The State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) is announcing the second in a series of public meetings for the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan.  

(Honolulu) – Beginning Tuesday February 1st for three consecutive days from 7:00am to 11:00am the entire Makapu’u Lighthouse trail and parking areas at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline will be closed for maintenance. Barricades and temporary signs will be placed at the park entrance alerting park users not to enter.

(Honolulu) – Hawai’i has less than one percent of the overall land mass in the U.S. but is often referred to as the “Endangered Species Capital of the World” as the state has 44 percent of the nation’s endangered and threatened plant species.

(LĪHUʻE) – On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG, a private contractor, the Dept. of Transportation (DOT), and the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) tested and validated the USCG Geographic Response Strategy (GRS). GRS is a response plan for spills in marine environments at Hawai‘i deep-water commercial and small boat harbors. Currently there are 15 GRS plans around the state. 

(LĪHUʻE) – Next Tuesday, Jan. 25, boaters and mariners using the Nawiliwili Harbor on Kaua‘i are being informed of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operations that will impact activity for a short time. 

(KAHULUI) – Only one of the islands, comprising Maui Nui, is free from hooved animals. The 32,000-acre Kaho‘olawe no longer experiences ungulate-caused deforestation and the loss of topsoil, after goats, sheep, and cattle were eliminated from the island. 

(HONOLULU) – It’s no mystery that Jason Momoa, best known for his role as Aquaman in the Hollywood hit of the same name, has a deep love for Hawai‘i. The 42-year-old Honolulu-born actor returned to the islands recently to film the sequel to Aquaman, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, due out in December. 

(HONOLULU) – For the first time in several years, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) did not receive any reports of illegal Christmas tree bonfires at Ahu o Laka (Kāne'ohe Bay sandbar). 

(HONOLULU) – Friday, after members of the State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) received a four-hour long briefing on the Red Hill water emergency and another three-and-a-half hours of public testimony and Commission discussion, with over 160 written and oral testimonies, the Commission approved the following policy positions on the matter: 

(Kapolei) - Every five years the state updates the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, which provides focus of efforts to preserve, protect, and manage places important to Hawai`i’s history and culture.  

(HONOLULU) – Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, it will be illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill any species of shark in State marine waters. Act 51 (House Bill 533) passed in the last legislative session. 

(Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve) – The individual who posted a video of a large rock being throwing into Lake Waiau has contacted the DLNR and apologized for her actions. Earlier this month, she posted the video on her social media platforms and then removed it after learning of the disrespect it caused. 

(Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve) – While it appears she has removed her social media postings, one woman got the attention of conservation managers and law enforcement, after posting photos of large rocks being thrown into Lake Waiau. 

(HONOLULU) – The DLNR is taking a pro-active approach toward the illegal burning of Christmas trees at Ahu O Laka (Kāne’ohe Bay sandbar). This activity is a violation of State Administrative Rules (HAR). In recent years, photographs on social media sites have shown large numbers of people congregating as tree-fueled fires burn in the background. These tree-burnings are also destructive to both ocean and terrestrial natural resources.

(Kailua-Kona) –On Friday, December 31, 2021, the DLNR Division of State Parks will be closing Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve and Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula and Kua Bay sections) early at 5 p.m.  Closing of the parks early is to discourage fireworks. All fireworks are prohibited in state parks to protect the natural resources of the area. 

(HONOLULU) – A monk seal, known as L11, died of an intentional gunshot wound to the head on Moloka‘i on Sept. 19th. A postmortem analysis determined that the young female suffered severe, lethal trauma from a bullet fragment. Further testing by NOAA to determine whether the seal had any diseases is underway but is not expected to change the conclusion of the postmortem examination. 

(HONOLULU) – Due to a technical error in notification of its meeting, the State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is postponing the meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Dec. 21, 2021). The Commission meeting has been rescheduled to Friday, January 7, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. 

(Lānaʻi City) - The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announce that online applications for a combination 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep hunting season will be available beginning Monday, January 10, 2022.  A ten-dollar ($10.00) application fee will be assessed for each person applying for the hunt.

(HONOLULU) – Forests in the Waiʻanae mountains on Oʻahu and in the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa vicinity on Hawaiʻi Island are about to receive additional protections from threats like wildfires and hoofed animals thanks to a new award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), funded with support from the U.S. Army and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(Honolulu) – In Hawaiʻi, it helps to be local. That’s the driving principle behind new web and social media content managed by the DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) which aims to provide easier access to information about natural resources and recreation opportunities depending on where a user is located.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: December 11, 2021 GOOD NEWS & BAD NEWS FROM MAUI ...
Read More 12/11/21-GOOD NEWS & BAD NEWS FROM MAUI FOREST STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

(Honolulu)- With recent and unpredictable heavy rain weather events in the islands, the DLNR Engineering Division wants to inform individuals and businesses that there are many resources people can choose for alerts, tips and overall preparedness.

(Honolulu) – In 2022, Arbor Day Hawaiʻi will be celebrated on November 5, and Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry is inviting community members to get involved by submitting a proposal to celebrate trees. Kaulunani, a program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), is proud to support Arbor Day Hawai’i through its community partnerships grant program. 

(HONOLULU) – Today the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved a proposal from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to hold a statewide meeting and hearing to amend Hawai‘i Administrative Rules regulating the possession and use of certain fishing gear.

(Kailua-Kona) - Due to storm damage from recent weather events, Hawaiʻi Island Hunting Unit F at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa will be closed to game bird hunting this upcoming weekend, December 11-12.

(Honolulu) – The Kahana Bay Boat Ramp will be closed starting January 3, 2022, for repairs and renovations. Site improvements will include asphalt and concrete pavement resurfacing of the parking lot, the installation of new bull rails, and rock revetment repairs. 

(KAHULUI, MAUI) – An ambitious effort to rescue four tiny birds deep in a thick Hawaiian rainforest saw its first taste of success last weekend, giving hope to a critically endangered species driven to the brink of extinction by malaria: an unfortunate consequence of climate change.

(Kahului) - Due to hazardous conditions and impassable roads and trails caused by this week’s heavy rains and strong winds, DLNR has closed the Kula State Forest Reserve, Kahikinui State Forest Reserve – Papa’anui Tract, and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area.  

(HONOLULU) – The weather this week highlights how flooding is one of the major threats to the Ala Wai watershed and the coastal community of Waikīkī.  

(HONOLULU) - Coral reefs are intricate, sensitive ecosystems that are facing numerous threats on both the local and global scale. Healthy coral reefs are critical to the economy, as a natural and cultural resource, and as a sustainable source of food. One study estimated the nearshore fishery provides more than 7 million meals each year to Hawai‘i families. 

(HONOLULU) – Over the last two days, three carcasses of Fraser’s dolphins have washed ashore between Diamond Head and Waikīkī. State and federal marine officials are investigating the unusual occurrence.  

(HONOLULU) – About 36-hours after the official recruitment period opened for 46 coveted positions for Hawai‘i Conservation Resources Enforcement Officers (CREOs), it closed.  

(HONOLULU) -  Showing the immense popularity of positions with the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), hundreds of prospective applicants jumped the gun and sent their resumes in via social media sites. DLNR has notified these individuals that there is only one way to apply to become a Conservation Resources Enforcement Officer (CREO) and interested people will need to act quickly to try and land one of the most highly sought-after civil service positions within State government.  

(Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve, Kaua‘i) – A team of six people are now in their third day of trying to locate a single family of the Hawaiian honeycreeper, the ‘akikiki. 

(Līhuʻe) – The carcass of a deceased adult sperm whale has washed up on an outer reef off the north shore of Kauaiʻi, near Pilaʻa Beach. Experts believe the whale died at sea 4 to 5 days ago and floated ashore.

(HONOLULU) – By day, they hold a wide range of conservation jobs with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). By night, or anytime a wildfire breaks out or spreads to State forests, some of the approximately 140 DOFAW employees statewide subject to fire call-out grab their gear and firefighting apparatus and head out. 

(HONOLULU) – By the end of today, firefighters from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) expect to have a wild fire burning in the Honolulu Forest Reserve 100% contained.

(Kahului) – Rules pertaining to the Kahului Harbor Fisheries Management Area (FMA) and the take and possession of ‘oama on the island of Maui have been updated and take effect beginning tomorrow.

(Lahaina) - An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 30, for those interested in learning about management plans for state lands between Honolua Bay and Honokōhau Bay on Maui.  

(Kuaokala Game Management Area, O‘ahu) – Delectable, small game birds were undoubtedly at the center of some Thanksgiving meals on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. Hunters got the birds using a put-and-take system set up by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). 

(HONOLULU) – The DLNR Division of State Parks is announcing the closure of Diamond Head State Monument this Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, as well as on New Year’s Day 2022. 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: November 23, 2021 HELP PROTECT THE MOST ENDANGERED NATURAL AREAS ...
Read More 11/23/21-HELP PROTECT THE MOST ENDANGERED NATURAL AREAS OF HAWAI‘I 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: November 22, 2021 HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STAMP CONTEST OPENS (Honolulu) – ...
Read More 11/22/21-HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STAMP CONTEST OPENS

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: November 19, 2021 Maui County Council Passes Historic Bill Prohibiting ...
Read More 11/19/21-MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES HISTORIC BILL PROHIBITING NON-MINERAL SUNSCREENS

(KONA) - The first non-chemical sunscreen dispenser in a Hawai‘i State Park was unveiled this morning. It’s a nod to the growing movement and legislation to get ocean users and beach goers to only apply mineral-based sun protection - to protect sensitive coral reef systems around the state.

(Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will be conducting a forest products auction for Acacia koa wood. All wood pieces are from the West Maui State Forest Reserve on the island of Maui.

(KAHULUI) – Biologists with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are urging people to drive with aloha, now and during the upcoming holidays, and to slow down for endangered birds.   A bonded pair of nēnē, a male and female, were struck and killed by cars on A‘alele Street near the airport in Kahului on Tuesday afternoon. 

(HONOLULU) – Applications are opening tomorrow for 130 new positions designed to help both the environment and the economy as part of the Hawaiʻi response to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Governor David Ige and the Hawaiʻi State Legislature approved the use of $5 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to support a new Green Job Youth Corps. DLNR is the administering agency and has partnered with Kupu, Hawai‘i’s conservation and youth education nonprofit, to provide funding that will expand the existing Kupu ‘Āina Corps program.

(LANA‘I CITY) – Saturday night, a resident reported seeing an unattended lay net on the northeast side of Lana‘i, about 50-yards off shore. Sunday morning, a DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE) officer recovered the 125-foot-long net. It had no registration tags as required by law. One dead fish was in the net and the officer did not see anyone in the area.

(HONOLULU)-  Imagine a day’s work inspecting the catch of fishers, checking harvested game in public hunting areas, patrolling the state’s nearshore waters on a jet ski, and responding to crimes in progress in State Parks and Small Boat Harbors. These are some of the daily duties of a Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer (CREO), one of the most highly sought-after civil service positions within State government.