Department of Land and Natural Resources

(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.   

(Līhuʻe) -  A 52-year-old Kalāheo man was arrested on numerous charges, including assaulting a police officer, during an incident today near Salt Pond Beach Park. ​ The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) reports that Randall Sheldon Hoffman also faces charges of criminal littering and resisting arrest.

(LĪHUʻE) – A shocking drop in numbers of ‘akikiki, an endangered forest bird, was recorded this year at Halehaha, a field site in the central mountains of Kaua’i. Biologists monitoring the area found that the population of more than 70 birds recorded in 2015 had declined to just five in 2021.  

(Kapahi) – Yesterday, a massive pile of water hyacinth was removed from the Kapahi Upper Reservoir. A tip from the community alerted the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to the appearance of this invasive species in the reservoir approximately one month ago. In response, DAR assembled a team to aid in the complete disposal of the harmful vegetation to prevent it from spreading to other waterways on Kaua‘i. 

(HONOLULU) – Today, a helicopter made repeated trips from the top of Diamond Head to the crater floor, flying down sling loads of broken concrete and rebar. The rubbish is the remains of two structures that were dismantled this week on top of the highest military fire control station in Diamond Head State Monument. The structures had become a safety hazard as concrete was beginning to fall and visitors often tried to climb on top to get the best photo vantage point. 

(Līhuʻe, Kaua‘i) – Nearly every weekend, the distinctive sound of four-stroke dirt bike engines fills the air along with red dust, between Koke‘e State Park and Kekaha on both sides of Highway 552.  

(HONOLULU) – Demolition workers have successfully removed the top portion of one of two structures that are being removed from the summit of Diamond Head Crater. 

(Hilo) – The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will be conducting maintenance work on Muliwai trail and Waimanu campground between November 15-18. The Muliwai trail will be closed to all users during this period.

(Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i) - Several dozen people who’d established long term camps on state conservation lands on Koki Road in Wailua moved out today.  More than a month ago they were warned by the DLNR Land Division to vacate the property, which is adjacent to the former Coco Palms Resort and tucked into a neighborhood with homes directly across the road. 

(HONOLULU) – Governor David Ige is leading a group of state and county leaders to Glasgow, Scotland for COP26 (Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change), underway now and continuing through November 12.  

(Honolulu) – The trees in our communities provide us with so much: shade from the sun, fruit to eat, and the air we breathe. Arbor Day is a worldwide holiday dedicated to honoring, planting, and enjoying the benefits of trees. Arbor Day has been recognized in Hawai’i for over 110 years, and every November communities throughout the islands gather to celebrate!

(HONOLULU) – Tips about Halloween parties tonight at a popular East O‘ahu state park led to an increased presence of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). 

(HONOLULU) - Social media is promoting another round of illegal gatherings at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on this Halloween eve. Posts being monitored by the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) indicate alcohol will be for sale at several large gatherings being publicized,  along with music from professional disk jockeys.

Join the celebration of Hawai‘i’s endemic trees at the 2021 ʻŌhiʻa Love Festival. Expanding from a single species to an entire ecosystem, this year’s festival theme is “Celebrate Forests.”  

(Honolulu) – Every five years people have an opportunity to review and provide update suggestions to the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation plan, or SCORP for short. The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) is now inviting people to review the draft of the SCORP-2021.

(HONOLULU) – Night divers are required to have illuminated diver’s flags and are supposed to know fishing regulations. Last night, a dozen Honolulu men were cited by officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) for not having required equipment and/or possession of under-sized fish. 

(HONOLULU) – The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted yesterday to submit the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Kāʻanapali Beach Restoration and Berm Enhancement project to Governor David Ige.  

(HONOLULU) – Today, the Board of Land and Natural Resources fined Twogood Kayaks Hawai‘i, Inc., for conducting unpermitted commercial activity on at least five separate occasions, in ocean waters off Kailua.   

(HONOLULU) – Following an earlier public hearing, and verbal and written testimony submitted by dozens of people, the State Board of Land and Natural Resources voted today to implement amended rules limiting and regulating commercial activity in ocean waters at Kahalu‘u Bay on the Kona coast of Hawai‘i Island. 

(HONOLULU) – Next week, work begins to demolish two structures that were built on top of the Lēʻahi Fire Control Station at the summit of Diamond Head Crater. The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) made the decision to do the demolition work due to safety concerns and the high cost of repairing the structures.

(HILO) – The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), the Hawai‘i County Fire Department (HFD), and Hawai‘i County Police are investigating a fire that gutted a maintenance shed at Lava Tree State Monument in the Puna District early this morning. 

 (HONOLULU) – Two Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers, responding to an anonymous call Saturday night, ended up citing a Honolulu man for two violations. 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: October 15, 2021 PARTICIPATE IN “IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER” ...
Read More 10/15/21-PARTICIPATE IN “IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER” NEXT WEEK 

(Kawaihae) – Renovations at the North Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (SBH) will begin on October 18. Site Engineering, Inc. has been contracted by the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean (DOBOR) to upgrade the harbor’s infrastructure.  

(HONOLULU) – A natural disaster and a pandemic forced the issue and now Hawai‘i remains at the forefront of regenerative tourism, the re-imagining of tourism, and adaptive management. These are the in-vogue, new buzzwords being used worldwide, as destinations begin recovery from the COVID pandemic. 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: October 12, 2021 KAUA‘I WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPLY WITH CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDERS ...
Read More 10/12/21-KAUA‘I WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPLY WITH CEASE-AND-DESIST ORDERS

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE  CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: October 12, 2021 CONSTRUCTION ALERT AND TRANSACTION CHANGES AT SMALL ...
Read More 10/12/21-CONSTRUCTION ALERT AND TRANSACTION CHANGES AT SMALL BOAT HARBORS 

(HONOLULU) – The options available to land managers and owners of coastal properties facing serious beach erosion are limited, expensive, and unlikely to provide permanent fixes. That’s one of the conclusions of a presentation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources last Friday.

(HONOLULU)- The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announces the opening of the 2021-2022 Game Bird Hunting Season on Saturday, November 6, 2021. The fall game bird hunting season will run through Sunday, January 30, 2022. To comply with federal mandates, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and to meet current state regulations, the last day for hunting mourning dove will be January 16, 2022.