The state Department of Land and Natural Resources today told Maui Now that it would enforce swimming zones at Ka’a Point, following public concerns that kite surfers were endangering beachgoers.

Officials with the state DLNR say a preservation plan for the area, “suggests that the current subzone designation is insufficient to provide for the effective preservation of the dune system and its culturally significant shrines, burial sites, fragile ecosystem and unique geomorphology.”

The unit is part of a pilot program that is set to launch in Maui waters this spring, covering a 13 mile stretch of coastline from Hulu Island below Waihe’e to Baldwin Beach Park in Paia.

A necropsy of the animal revealed that he suffered fractured ribs earlier in life, but ingestion of a fishing hook more recently is believed to be the cause of death.

Starting September 1, the Dept. of Land & Natural Resources will require all commercial bottom-fish fishermen to submit their trip reports within five days of trip end date or risk $15 fine.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday upheld the State of Hawaii’s right to regulate commercial weddings on public beaches.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reminds the public that the moi fishing season is closed beginning Friday, June 1.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds the public that the season for taking spiny and slipper lobsters and Kona crabs will close on Tuesday, May 1.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced yesterday that the 2011-2012 game bird hunting season will open Saturday, November 5.

In preparation for the Sept 1 opening of the main Hawaiian Islands bottomfish fishery, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are hosting three free public workshops on the new regulations.