Department of Land and Natural Resources

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources, in cooperation with the Kapoho Vacationland community association, is advising the public that access to the state marine life conservation district at Waiopae tidepools in Kapoho will be allowed by foot only through the Vacationland subdivision until removal of storm debris from Hurricane Iselle can be completed.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will enforce the state boating rule over the Labor Day holiday weekend, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), that prohibits the possession, use or consumption of alcohol; loud, abusive or disorderly conduct; and the presence of persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or non-prescription drugs in an area designated as the Ahu o Laka safety zone (also known as the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) in Kane‘ohe Bay.

For 10 years now Makai Watch volunteers have helped be the eyes and ears for the protection of special places across Hawaii. Makai Watch State Coordinator Luna Kekoa described the program today for the members of the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources.

HONOLULU—The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking to hire two planners to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to new landowners participating in its Hawai‘i Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) .

HILO —The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife has closed the Puna hiking trail until further notice, due to severe tree fall caused by Hurricane Iselle. These downed trees are blocking access to Haena (Shipman) beach in the South Hilo area.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is hosting a public forum to generate discussion about a management concept designed to reduce user conflicts in specific surf breaks in the waters off of Oahu.

HILO, HI – Anyone driving by an open field on the edge of downtown Hilo recently may have spotted several dozen people gathered around holes marked with yellow flags. This was the field exercise for an Archaeological Violation Class sponsored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). Combining two and a half days of classroom instruction, police officers from state and federal agencies, prosecutors and archaeologists participated in the field exercise to practice and test their crime scene investigation skills. The class was taught by Archaeological Damage Investigation and Assessment, a Missoula, MT-based company.

HILO —The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is issuing permits for control of feral goats in the makai portion —and feral goat and feral sheep in the mauka portion —of the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a (PWW) Forest Reserve, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,”䅉-123-9, “Nuisance or crop damage.” These programs will be conducted on weekends only, in two phases. Phase 1 will begin Sept. 20, 2014 - Oct. 19, 2014. Phase 2 will begin Feb. 7, 2015 - Mar. 15, 2015.

LIHU‘E -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will conduct a feral goat and feral pig control hunt on Aug.16 and 17 in the Napali Coast State Park –Hunting Unit G. The animal control is necessary for watershed protection purposes, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123 (13-123-9).

PAHOA, HI -- Tropical Storm Iselle brought down or damaged thousands of trees in Hawaii Island's Puna District. At the request of Hawaii County, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife crews have been operating chain saws and heavy equipment to clear entire trees, large limbs and other vegetation debris from roads in the Pahoa area.

HONOLULU – Following assessments in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has reopened the remainder of its state-managed forest lands and state parks on all islands – with a few exceptions pending removal and clearing of downed trees.

Persons Who Suffered Damage To Structures In The Conservation District From Tropic Storm Iselle Are Encouraged To Contact OCCL at 587-0377.

HAPUNA BEACH, WEST HAWAII — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will hold a community information meeting on its planned improvements at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The meeting will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in the dining hall in the mauka section of the park.

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), together with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), invites home and business owners to attend a public information meeting to educate residents and business owners on upcoming changes to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the island of Oahu.

Puna Needs Kokua Residents in the Puna District on the Big Island of Hawaii were among the hardest hit when Hurricane Iselle made landfall. Work to clear roads and restore ...
Read More Puna Needs Kokua – If you are interested in donating to the people of Puna please contact the Hawaii County Civil Defense Hotline at 808-935-0031.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces limited openings of its state-managed park and forest lands in the wake of the Iselle storm system. Some areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure for public safety until personnel can assess the areas for damage such as downed trees and make any necessary repairs. Status updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces additional closures to its state-managed park and forest lands as precautionary measures for public safety before arrival of two storm systems in Hawaii. The areas will remain closed until the storm systems have passed and personnel can assess them for possible damage or downed trees and any repairs that may need to be scheduled. Status updates will be provided as soon as available.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) set for Friday, August 8, 2014 has been cancelled due to Hurricane Iselle. All items on the agenda will be heard at the next regularly scheduled BLNR meeting on Friday, August 22, 2104

"Due to the closure of Baldwin High School on Maui because of hurricane Iselle, the Hunter Education Class scheduled on August 7 & 9, 2014 at this location is canceled. Pre-registered students will be re-registered in September and October classes. Please contact the Hunter Education Program's registration hotline at 1-800-353-4868 for more information. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve this issue."

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is advising the public to follow instructions of State Civil Defense and County Civil Defense agencies to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge with the arrival of tropical storm system Iselle as early as Thursday on the Big Island.

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), together with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), invites home and business owners to attend a public information meeting to educate residents and business owners on upcoming changes to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the island of Oahu.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) today lifted a public safety hazard warning for waters of Kailua bay, following removal of the carcass of a whale from 300 yards off the boat ramp toward Flat island

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release July 31, 2014 DLNR, NOAA, OCEAN SAFETY WARN PUBLIC TO ...
Read More 07/31/14 – DLNR, NOAA, Ocean Safety Warn Public To Avoid Windward Oahu Waters

WAILUKU, Maui – Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui and Mayor Alan Arakawa today joined with Maui community leaders and sporting organizations to break ground for the new Central Maui Regional Sports Complex.

HONOLULU — The State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking new projects for under the Hawai‘i Forest Legacy Program to protect important working forest lands from the threat of conversion to non-forest uses. The U.S. Forest Service-funded Forest Legacy Program, administrated through DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, welcomes applications for conservation acquisition assistance.

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.

HONOLULU -- Beginning on July 10, 2014, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be replacing the buoys in the lagoon of Ala Moana Beach Park that demark the stand-up paddleboard corridor. A small team of DLNR employees will be staging on the beach at Magic Island and using a jet ski during the operation. The department asks for the public to cooperate and stay clear of the installation crew while work is in progress.

HONOLULU – Representatives of the Abercrombie Administration and nonprofit Pacific Historic Parks today dedicated a new Interpretive Kiosk and Gift Shop in Diamond Head Crater that represents a creative and collaborative project to enhance the visitor experience at one of Hawaii’s most iconic geologic features and landmark destinations.

(Click on image to watch video) Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii’s four county mayors, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) leadership jointly launched the Aloha+ Challenge: A Culture of Sustainability – ...
Read More Aloha + Challenge Hawaii’s Leaders Commit to Sustainability

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release July 3, 2014  AHU O LAKA NO ALCOHOL RULE IN ...
Read More 07/03/14 – AHU O LAKA No Alcohol Rule In Place For 4th Of July Weekend

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release July 2, 2014  HAPUNA BEACH, KEKAHA KAI AND KIHOLO STATE ...
Read More 07/02/14 – Hapuna Beach, Kekaha Kai And Kiholo State Parks To Close Early On July 4

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LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces the opening on July 19 of Hunting Unit F for archery goat hunting on the island of Kaua‘i, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” §13-123-9.

LAHAINA, MAUI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public information on Wednesday, July 2, on the final environmental impact statement for the proposed Lahaina Small Boat Harbor ferry pier improvements.

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the opening of a feral cattle control in the Pu‘u Ka Pele Forest Reserve. As part of its core mission, the DOFAW is charged with protecting watershed areas from damage caused by feral cattle. To accomplish this, DOFAW requests the continued participation of the hunting community. The cattle control will begin on July 8 through August 28, 2014.

LIHU‘E — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will open this year’s season for plum harvesting at Koke‘e State Park, Kaua‘i on Friday, July 4. “This year the plum crop is poor and small,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator. Permits to harvest will be available starting at 7 a.m. on July 4 at the Koke‘e State Park headquarters. There is no cost but forms must be completed and dropped in the box after harvesting.

A small infestation of the invasive little fire ant (LFA) was confirmed in late May and has been undergoing treatment at a hotel in Wailea, Maui. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) detected the infestation, which was confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

To address the koloa’s future, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the University of Hawaii Pacific Studies Cooperative Unit on The Koloa Project. The project attempts to provide steps that will ensure its ultimate survival as one of three remaining native waterfowl species in Hawaii (the others being the Hawaiian nene or goose, and Laysan duck).

HILO –The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting applications from interested person for vacant seats on the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program Advisory Council on Hawaii Island.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding the public to respect Hawai‘i’s sea turtles by viewing these protected animals responsibly. The two types of sea turtles most frequently observed in nearshore waters in Hawai‘i are the green sea turtle (honu) and hawksbill (‘ea) sea turtle. Local residents and visitors enjoy being able to view these animals on the beach and in the water.

HONOLULU –Even wildlife biologists have a tough time telling the difference between the endangered koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) and the common mallard. Cross-breeding or hybridization between the two species is the primary reason the endemic koloa is endangered.

KAILUA-KONA, HI – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will begin two repair projects addressing tsunami damage at its West Hawaii boating facilities, starting May 27 at Kailua-Kona Pier and June 9 at Keauhou Small Boat Harbor. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) may require qualified professional consultants to provide planning, architectural, engineering (all disciplines), land surveying, land appraisal, landscape architectural, construction management and/or other related professional services for its Capital Improvement Program and/or operating budget projects appropriated during fiscal year (FY) 2015 (July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015). DLNR’s solicitation for FY15 Professional Services for CIP and operating budget projects has been posted on the State Procurement Office website at: https://spo3.hawaii.gov/notices/notices/dlnr-fy15

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Legacy Land Conservation Program is seeking applicants for grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to support the protection, through acquisition, of lands having value as a resource to the State of Hawai‘i. The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides an annual source of funding for the acquisition and conservation of watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat protection; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will enforce the state boating rule over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, from May 24 to 26, 2014 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), that prohibits the possession, use or consumption of alcohol; loud, abusive or disorderly conduct; and the presence of persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or non-prescription drugs in an area designated as the Ahu o Laka safety zone (also known as the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) in Kane‘ohe Bay.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today applauded the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) decision to hold its 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) in the State of Hawaii. This will be the first time a U.S. location is hosting the WCC since IUCN’s inception in 1948.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release May 19, 2014 MANDATORY BOATER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT TO BE ENFORCED ...
Read More 05/19/14 – Mandatory Boater Education Requirement To Be Enforced In Less Than Six Months

HONOLULU —The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces that a wiliwili tree (Erythrina sandwicensis) from Hawaii island has been selected as a national champion in American Forest’s Big Tree Program.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center Honolulu Field Station (USGS) are jointly responding to and investigating a recently reported disease affecting collector urchins (hawae or Tripneustes gratilla) in Maunalua and Kaneohe Bays.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks today announced it is beginning a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals (RFQ/RFP) process to issue a five-year lease for the existing campground at the Malaekahana State Recreation Area (Kahuku Section). The campground is currently operated by the Friends of Malaekahana under a month-to-month revocable permit.

LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources announces the opening of archery, muzzleloading rifle, and high-powered rifle hunting seasons for feral goats on the island of Kaua‘i. Pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123 “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” the following rules and conditions will be in effect for the hunt:

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are holding two open house events this month to share preliminary design concepts to mitigate stream flooding within the Ala Wai watershed.

In 2012 a series of wildfires burned across state lands, including Forest Reserves and Natural Area Reserves on Kauai. These fires scorched more than 3000 acres of land and represent ...
Read More KOKEE AREA RESTORATION & REFORESTATION PROJECT

KAILUA-KONA -- Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers cited the owner of a 47-foot sailing vessel in Kailua Bay on Friday, May 2, for damage caused to coral reef by the vessel’s anchor chain. Approximately 80 feet of chain was in the water, with about 30 to 40 feet in the coral.

HONOLULU — Due to a recent rise in citations for unauthorized entry into Sacred Falls State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces and underscores that the park remains closed to the public due to danger from falling rocks.