Department of Land and Natural Resources

HONOLULU -- Today the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks (DSP), reached an interim revocable permit agreement with Pro Park, Inc. for a parking operation at Diamond Head State Monument. Pro Park will begin operating and collecting entrance fees effective tomorrow (Wed., April 22, 2015) and the park will operate as normal.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks is in the process of renovating and repairing the ironwork fence and plastered wall surrounding the grounds of ʻIolani Palace. Gates at the ground’s multiple entrances are also included in the renovation project as is the ironwork fence and brick wall enclosing the Royal Tomb Site on the palace grounds.

Kapalua, Maui– A group of volunteers, led by staff from the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, banded 150 adult wedge-tailed shearwaters at a Kapalua colony in West Maui last night. Spring nighttime efforts to capture returning adults to look for banded birds recruiting into the breeding population began in 2008. Additionally unbanded adults are banded during the project.

Kailua-Kona – Heavy usage of Hawaii Island’s Kahaluu Bay is prompting the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) to propose rule changes for specific ocean recreation activities in the bay.

HONOLULU -- Ocean users, especially those who live near and recreate on Maunalua Bay, are invited to an informational meeting on April 20, hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), regarding the planned establishment of an Ocean Recreation Advisory Committee for Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu.

HONOLULU - When the supply ship Kahana returned to Honolulu Harbor from its latest trip, six young volunteers returned to families and friends and potentially more frenetic life styles -- a stark contrast to the isolated life they lived for the past six months while toiling on Kure Atoll, the northwestern most atoll in the Hawaiian archipelago.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks in partnership with PBR HAWAII & Associates, Inc., is inviting the public to review the draft of the 2015 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESNews Release DAVID Y. IGEGOVERNOR CARTY CHANGINTERIM CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release April 07, 2015     VESSEL AGROUND AT MOLOAA BAY TO BE REMOVED ...
Read More 04/07/15 – Vessel Aground At Moloaa Bay To Be Removed

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESNews Release DAVID Y. IGEGOVERNOR CARTY CHANGINTERIM CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release April 07, 2015     NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAKAI WATCH COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ...
Read More 04/07/15 – New Training Opportunities For Makai Watch Community Volunteers

Hawaii's Wiliwili has made it to the Final 4 and will be competing against Missouri's Eastern Burningbush. Don't forget to show your support and vote to move Hawaii into the Championship Round!

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public hearing next week on an administrative rule amendment regarding holiday weekend bans on alcohol and drugs at the Kaneohe Sandbar. It applies only to three-day holiday weekends that include Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

Today Department of Land and Natural Resources, along with Hawaii County Police and assisted by Public Safety Department, took necessary action to preserve and protect public safety and public access on Mauna Kea.

(Honolulu) – On March 25, two critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) were successfully returned to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument after being rehabilitated at The Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kona. The seals were rescued last year in an emaciated state, one on Kure Atoll and another on Laysan Island, during NOAA Fisheries Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program’s field camp season.

HONOLULU – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes to change the scope of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by increasing its size, expanding from a sanctuary that manages only humpback whales to one that manages all natural and cultural resources within its boundaries, and changing its name. A news announcement was made yesterday.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESNews Release DAVID Y. IGEGOVERNOR CARTY CHANGINTERIM CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release March 24, 2015     HUMPBACK WHALE CARCASS TOWED OUT TO SEA KAHULUI ...
Read More 03/24/15 – Humpback Whale Carcass Towed Out To Sea

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources and county lifeguards closed Hapuna Beach State Park today following an incident just before noon, in which a 58 year old male visitor was bit by a shark while snorkeling in the ocean near the south point of the park. He was taken to a local hospital.

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 WestMaui@group70int.com 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”).

HILO -- Amateurs and professional lei artists of all ages are invited to demonstrate their lei-making skills in the second annual Kauluwehi Lei Contest 2015, from May 1 to 8. This is a juried lei art contest, award ceremony and exhibition celebrating the native plant species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawaii Island. The event at the Wailoa Center in Hilo, will also feature refreshments, live music, keiki and adult crafts.

Honolulu – What do Hawaiian Airlines, volunteers, a National Guardsman, a property management company, plant quarantine inspectors, and a hui of government agencies all have in common? They are all recipients of Invasive Species Achievement Awards today at the wrap-up of the annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) at the Hawaii State Capitol. In addition a tireless worker is recognized with a 2014 National Invasive Species Achievement Award for her efforts in outreach and education.

HISAW Kaneohe Bay Invasive Algae Control Project

HONOLULU – Little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, albizia trees, rats, mongoose, strawberry guava, coqui frogs, miconia, fireweed and invasive algae all share one common trait. As invasive species, they provide examples of some of the worst offenders among the many plants and animals that pose what the state legislature has declared as “the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy, natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.” Hawaii’s isolation has made our island state home to more invasive species than anywhere else in the U.S.

HONOLULU -- The Nominating Committee for the State Commission on Water Resource Management (“Water Commission”) is now accepting applications for one open 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 upon the vacancy after the Governor selects from the list of qualified applicants. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. The term for this position will begin on July 1, 2015 and expire on June 30, 2019.

HONOLULU -- The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is in the process of updating the statewide Water Resource Protection Plan (WRPP) and is seeking the community’s input on water resource issues of importance. The purpose of the Water Resource Protection Plan is to establish policies and identify actions needed to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of Hawaii’s precious and limited ground and surface water resources.

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the availability of feral goat control hunt permits in Hunting Unit A, Kekaha Game Management Area on the island of Kaua‘i. The Lihu‘e DOFAW office will issue 125 permits on a first-come, first-served basis from at 3060 ‘Eiwa St., Rm. 306, Lihu‘e, HI 96766 for each two-day slot.

MAKENA, MAUI -- The ‘Pu‘u Olai area (Little Beach) of Makena Beach State Park was reopened today at noon by the DLNR Division of State Parks.

Kauluwehi – A Lei Contest Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Hawai‘i Island Natural Area Reserves (NARS), the Three Mountain Alliance (TMA), and the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center are ...
Read More 2015 – Kauluwehi Lei Contest

HONOLULU – A keyword search of “Sacred Falls” online reveals dozens and dozens of websites related to the long-closed Hawaii state park. Unfortunately many of these sites and blogs continue to encourage hikers and others to visit Sacred Falls State Park, though it's been closed since shortly after a 1999 Mother’s Day accident which killed eight people and left dozens of others seriously hurt.

HILO -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife, announces the opening of archery hunting in the Hawaii Island Puuanahulu Game Management Area (GMA) beginning Sunday, March 1, 2015, and continuing on weekends and State Holidays through Sunday, June 28, 2015.

HILO -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawaii Island Branch announces the opening of the 2015 Spring Bearded Turkey Hunting Season on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The spring season will run 31 consecutive days through Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The spring season will be for bearded turkeys only in locations identified below. The season length, bag limits, and hunting areas are those established in Title 13, Chapter 122, “Rules Regulating Game Bird Hunting, Field Trials and Commercial Shooting Preserves.” The appellate court ruling (Tanaka v. State, December 31, 2007) removed the Department’s ability to make any seasonal adjustments.

MAKENA, MAUI -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks will close the Pu‘u Olai area (Little Beach) and a portion of Makena Beach State Park tomorrow February 18, while DLNR staff and military ordnance experts investigate a potential hazardous situation fronting the beach at Pu‘u Olai.

Logging operations begin in the Koke'e area of Kauai begin this month. Crews will be felling, removing and trucking an estimated 15,000 tons of trees burned in a series of fires during the summer of 2012. In this video, representatives from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife discuss this project along with the contract logging company, Woodward and Companies. This video was produced from a public informational meeting held in Kekaha on Feb. 11, 2015.

PUNA DISTRICT, HAWAII COUNTY— State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers last night arrested a tour guide involved in conducting illegal commercial tours within the Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve. The Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve has been closed by DLNR due to hazardous conditions related to ongoing volcanic activity in the area.

HONOLULU – Two weeks after scientists announced that many coral colonies in Kaneohe Bay were showing signs of recovery from a fall 2014 bleaching event, reefs there are now facing a new threat. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) and the US Geological Survey (USGS) are investigating the presence of a disease called Acute Montipora White Syndrome (aMWS). It was first detected on patch reefs in the bay within the past few weeks.

"The Makapu'u lighthouse road (trail) at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline in East Oahu, is undergoing six months of repairs which will involve 25 days of park closures during February, March and July. In this video, DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Dan Quinn discusses the project, and we take you to the construction blessing. The first closure day is Monday, February 9, 2015.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESNews Release DAVID Y. IGEGOVERNOR CARTY CHANGACTING CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release February 05, 2015     DLNR BEGINS REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MAKAPU‘U ...
Read More 02/05/15 – DLNR Begins Repairs & Improvements To The Makapu’u Trail (Road); Hikers Will Experience Closures & Delays

(Click on image to watch video) Enjoy an underwater tour along a Hawaiian reef as you learn about the mission of the Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources and ...
Read More New video: Underwater tour along a Hawaiian reef as you learn about the mission of DLNR

HONOLULU – In order to try and prevent potential resource damage and to ensure that any damage is repaired, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) and Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) are closely monitoring the salvage operation of a Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) vessel that grounded in Lahaina Harbor on Monday.

HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is implementing Phase 2 of ungulate control programs in the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a (PWW) Forest Reserve, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” §13-123-9, “Nuisance or crop damage.”

HONOLULU – Many of the coral colonies around the Main Hawaiian Islands, impacted by a late 2014 bleaching event are showing signs of recovery. Bleaching is a stress response, which causes corals to lose algae and color from their tissue, making them appear snow white. The fall bleaching of corals in 2014; mostly in shallow waters off Oahu, Kauai, and Maui was caused when sea temperatures spiked at 86 degrees.

LIHUE, KAUAI -- Hunting Unit A on the island of Kauai will open to feral pig hunting starting Sunday, February 1, 2015, and ending June 28, 2015 on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays. Hawaii residents interested in hunting feral pig in Hunting Unit A are required to acquire a permit from the Kauai DOFAW office. All provision of Chapter 123 rules and Chapter 123 Exhibit 1 shall remain in effect.

LIHUE, KAUAI - The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces an opportunity for interested individuals to assist the Division in an animal control hunt of feral goats in Hunting Unit F on Kauai, pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” §13-123-9, “Nuisance or crop damage.” Animal control is being limited to archery due to safety concerns. Interested individuals will need to have a valid hunting license.

KANEOHE – A Kaneohe fisherman was found guilty of two lay net fishing violations on Jan. 8, 2015 at Kaneohe District Court and was sentenced to 7 days jail and the court ordered his nets seized.

HONOLULU -- Fire responders from the federal government and DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildfire today continued fighting a persistent wildland fire located in the Kipapa drainage above Mililani Mauka, including parts of the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Friday.

HONOLULU -- Following the recommendation of Hawaii County Ocean Safety personnel, all West Hawaii state beach parks remained closed a second day for public safety, by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks. This includes Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, and its Waialea section, Lapakahi State Historical Park and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Maniniowali (Kua Bay) and Mahaiula sections).

HONOLULU – New fees and permit requirements are now in effect for commercial recreational operations in state small boat harbors, facilities, and near shore waters. Any company or individual conducting commercial activity is now required to contact the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) for a permit.

HONOLULU -- Following the recommendation of Hawaii County Ocean Safety personnel, all West Hawaii state beach parks have been closed for public safety, by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks. This includes Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, and its Waialea section, Lapakahi State Historical Park and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Maniniowali (Kua Bay) and Mahaiula sections). All West Hawaii County beach parks have also been closed.

MILILANI, OAHU -- Fire responders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildfire, and Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) are continuing to fight the wildland fire located in the Kipapa drainage above Mililani Mauka, including parts of the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

HONOLULU -- Following the recommendation of Hawaii County Ocean Safety personnel, the DLNR Division of State Parks is closing the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area beach area at 12:00 p.m. today. Large waves are scheduled to reach this area by mid-afternoon, but wave models show a significant ground swell system, thus the closure before the actual arrival of the waves. The park will remain open, and visitors will be notified of the beach closure as they enter. If the waves get too large or if crowd control becomes a problem, The Division of State Parks reserves the option of closing the entire park.

Following the recommendation of Hawaii County Ocean Safety personnel, the DLNR Division of State Parks is closing the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area beach area at 12:00 pm today. Large waves are scheduled to reach this area, mid-afternoon, but wave models show a significant ground swell system thus the closure before the actual arrival of the waves. The park will remain open, and visitors will be notified of the beach closure as they enter. If the waves get too large or if crowd control becomes a problem, The Division of State Parks reserves the option of closing the entire park.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has closed the Keawaula beach section of Kaena Point State Park on Oahu’s leeward coast, effective immediately and overnight to tomorrow, until high surf subsides and lifeguards issue an all-clear.

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I -- Traditional and non-traditional educators are invited to join the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Saturday, January 31, 2015 for a Project Learning Tree Pre-K to 8 workshop on Kaua‘i.

(Honolulu) – The grounding of the sailing vessel Hawaii Aloha off Hualalai on the Big Island’s Kona Coast on Jan. 3, 2015 caused limited resource damage. This is the determination of a team from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) that conducted an in-water assessment of the area offshore of the grounding on Jan. 13.

HONOLULU – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the State of Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources is a recipient of more than $467,000 as part of a new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The program’s focus on public-private partnerships enables private companies, land owners, local communities and other non-government partners to keep lands resilient, water clean and promote economic growth in a variety of industries.

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and several of its divisions responded to reports of at least six vessels adrift or grounded, as a result of a short, but severe winter storm on Jan. 2 and 3.

Honolulu – Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), along with staff from the DLNR Division of State Parks, closed the Kua Bay section of Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park today after an unidentified object was found in the water.

Honolulu – Sunrise on this first day of 2015 was foiled by heavy cloud cover, but an estimated 500 early morning hikers still made the one and a half mile trek to the Makapu’u Lookout in Kaiwi State Park in East Oahu, as part of the annual First Day Hike.

KAILUA-KONA – The Department of Land and Natural Resources is reminding the public that West Hawaii state parks will close early at 5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2014, New Year’s Eve. Parks closing early include Hapuna, Kiholo and Kekaha Kai (Mahaiula and Kua Bay sections).

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the closing of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, O‘ahu, to fishing for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and ending Dec.31, 2015.

HONOLULU – An access gate at Ka’ena Point State Park Reserve, Mokule’ia section was locked at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014. Only people who applied for permits under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) new vehicle access system can now drive on designated roads within the park. Pedestrians and bicyclists do not need a permit.

WAILUKU –Division of Conservation and Resources (DOCARE) Enforcement Officers and Makai Watch volunteers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit (CFEU) will be at the Maui Mall this Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help educate fishers about the new Maui Island fishing rules that became law on November 1.

HONOLULU -- Fans of the annual State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) photographic calendar will find an unique historic journey in the 2015 edition, which highlights the evolution of Hawaii’s financial institutions. Built in an era of expanding prosperity, these institutions represent the optimism and confidence of the new and exciting world dramatically emerging in Hawai‘i, as well as an abiding faith in the future.

LIHUE -- Starting Monday, December 15, 2014 through Tuesday December 30, 2014, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks will install a new water tank that will serve the comfort stations at the Waimea Canyon lookout.

HANAPEPE, KAUA‘I – The Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP), a collaborative project of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, and Garden Island Research and Development, Inc. (GIRCD), has announced the launch of a crowdfunding and outreach campaign to generate support for protecting the native birds of Kaua‘i by controlling rats with humane, self-resetting rat traps.

HONOLULU -- Four Molokai men will face arraignment and hearings in Maui Circuit Court later this month after being arrested and charged for their roles in a confrontation between two groups of fishermen in Molokai waters. The investigation was conducted by Maui Police Department with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE).

HILO -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will reopen portions of Lava Tree State Monument on a limited basis beginning Monday December 8, 2014. The public will be able to visit most of the viewable lava tree molds, the main pavilion and the informational kiosk. The parking lot, comfort station and front portion of the loop trail will also be available for public use.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will reopen the Castle Beach area of the Malaekahana State Recreation Area tomorrow morning.

Waikoloa – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) commissioned additional sound testing at the proposed Pu’u Anahulu Shooting Range on Hawaii Island yesterday. Organized by the consulting firm DLNR retained to assist in the preparation of environmental documents for the long-planned range, these live-fire shooting tests will lead to a computerized visual characterization of sound levels at various sites across the one-square mile range and surrounding areas.

Honolulu - The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), along with the Conservation Council for Hawaii, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Monk Seal Foundation are now rewarding $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the illegal killing of a baby monk seal in Anahola, Kauai on November 30, 2014. That’s double the initial reward offered by HSUS after the killing was announced yesterday.

LIHU‘E – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will making improvements at Koke‘e and Waimea Canyon State Parks, starting December 4, 2014. Work includes replacement of water tanks servicing the comfort stations at the Pu‘u Hinahina and Waimea Canyon lookouts in the Waimea Canyon State Park> There will also be roadway repairs and drainage improvements on Koke‘e Road and repaving of the camping parking area in Koke‘e State Park. The project is expected to be completed by the end of February 2015.

PUNA DISTRICT, HAWAII COUNTY -- Two guides who were involved in leading tours into the state Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve and Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve were arrested by Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers on Monday.. The charges were for prohibited entry into closed areas and for engaging in illegal commercial activities on DLNR-managed lands.

LIHU‘E, KAUA‘I – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in cooperation with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), is investigating the suspicious death of a Hawaiian monk seal on the Northeast coast of Kauai. Anyone with information about this incident should call the toll-free, confidential reward tip line, 1-855-DLNR-TIP

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks will begin work on improvements at the Kahuku section of the Malaekahana State Recreation Area on December 1, 2014, that will include demolition of existing cabins and structures.

HONOLULU -- The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, State Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and Federal NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) will hold public meetings on potential Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Deep-7 bottomfish fishery rules and regulations and changes to minimum size limits for the sale of Ahi.

HONOLULU - Hawaii’s Makai Watch Program is a collaborative program where communities, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) work together to improve stewardship of marine and coastal resources. This innovative program is modeled after the successful Neighborhood Watch programs.

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCESNews Release NEIL ABERCROMBIEGOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR,CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release November 20, 2014    MALAEKAHANA STATE RECREATION AREA, KAHUKU SECTION, OAHU, IS CLOSED ...
Read More 11/20/14 – Malaekahana State Recreation Area, Kahuku Section, Oahu, Is Closed Until Further Notice Due To Hazardous Trees