#DLNR
DLNR patrols Kāne‘ohe Bay to deter illegal Christmas tree bonfires on New Year’s Day
Officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) will again conduct patrols over the New Year’s holiday to enforce laws and protect the environment, including the sacred Ahu o Laka (Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar).
Kaiwi First Day Hike 2026 and ‘Year of Our Coastal Kuleana’ campaign
As the new year’s first daylight reaches the islands, participants experience protocol and sound that reflect Hawaiʻi’s deep cultural roots. It reminds us that this landscape is not just scenery, it is a living place that carries kuleana, our collective responsibility to care for it.
Monk seal finds shady spot under beach chairs along Maui’s North Shore
On Monday, a monk seal was observed moving quickly up a crowded beach along Maui’s North Shore, where it settled about 20 feet from beachgoers.
Nēnē that lost mate has found new partner and is once again nesting in Hilo park
Staff from the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation have posted signs marking the nesting area.
Limited commercial boat operations to resume at Lahaina Harbor on Dec. 15
In a milestone for Maui Nui and Lahaina wildfire recovery, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation will resume limited commercial boat operations at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor starting Dec. 15, 2025, for the first time since the August 2023 wildfires.
Limited commercial boat operations to return to Lahaina Harbor for first time since destructive wildfire of 2023
Starting Dec. 15, loading and unloading activities will be allowed on a permitted basis. Some companies haven’t been operating since the fire damaged their vessel.
Live opossum found at Maui car dealership
A live opossum was spotted at a car dealership on Maui yesterday afternoon and was put down by officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Legality of Hawai‘i state land board appointees called into question
According to Earthjustice, the board has been conducting business and making decisions without satisfying the required qualifications since one of the board members left in August.
Community input sought for Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division is beginning the process to update the Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, which will guide preservation priorities, partnerships and strategies across Hawaiʻi through 2034.
Group that saved Honolua Bay from development now wants it to become a cultural sanctuary with fewer tourists
The Save Honolua Coalition wants to follow the success of places like Hā‘ena State Park on Kaua’i where visitor numbers were drastically reduced.
October is stop the ant month
October is Stop the Ant Month in Hawaiʻi and a multi-agency effort throughout the month will encourage residents to collect and submit ants from their properties to help detect and control the spread of invasive little fire ants (LFA) and other harmful pest ants that may be new to the state.
Invasive insect detected on Kauaʻi, attacking native naio plant
Myoporum thrips were first discovered in the state in 2009, on Hawaiʻi Island, where they are now widespread. The invasive insect was identified on Oʻahu in 2018 and confirmed on Molokaʻi in 2024.
Two endangered Hawaiian monk seal pups receiving life-saving care
RU28 and RU99—are now receiving life-saving care at The Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, in Kona, on Hawaiʻi Island.
Applications now accepted for state Legacy Land Conservation Program grants
About $6.7 million is expected to be available for awards through the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources program aimed at protecting and preserving land with natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural production or historic value.
DLNR: Caution urged near lava lands in coastal areas of Hawaiʻi Island
Newly formed lands from the 2018 Kīlauea volcano lava flows, known as lava deltas, are creating a potential hazard for Hawaiʻi Island residents and visitors. The recent discovery of a large crack in a lava delta at Kapoho, in the Puna district, demonstrates the enduring instability that newly created land presents and may indicate signs of imminent collapse.
New Kauaʻi laws address environmental stewardship, public access
On Friday, Kauaʻi legislators and community advocates gathered to celebrate the recent enactment of several key bills that reflect efforts of the Kauaʻi community to protect natural resources, improve public land access, and support community initiatives.
Holomua Marine Initiative seeks community input for Maui nearshore marine management
Maui residents are called to join the conversation and provide feedback on a revised draft proposal developed for Maui’s nearshore waters, ensuring healthy reefs and abundant resources for future generations. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Holomua Marine Initiative is hosting two upcoming information exchange sessions on the proposal: one on July 29 in Pukalani, and another on Aug. 6 in Kīhei.
DOCARE marine patrols now on all islands, July 1, 2025
Marine patrol units of the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement are now active on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Maui and Kaua‘i.
Pohoiki dredging aims to remove 42,000 cubic yards of volcanic material deposited by 2018 eruption
Dredging of Pohoiki boat ramp has been underway for the past two weeks, as crews work to remove 42,000 cubic yards of black sand, rocks and boulders, deposited by the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea.
Anglers cast lines as trout season opens at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir on Kauaʻi
The opening of the annual fishing season at Koke‘e on Kauaʻi, brought anglers of all ages to Pu‘u Lua Reservoir to catch rainbow trout. The reservoir was stocked earlier with 22,000 trout, the largest number ever.
