Hearings on Proposed Rule Changes for Maui and Lānaʻi Fisheries

Throw net. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Three public hearings are planned this week to collect testimony on proposed rule changes for Maui and Lānaʻi fisheries bag and size limits.

The hearings are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Nov. 19 on Lānaʻi at the Senior Center on 7th Street; Nov. 20 in Hāna at Helene Hall at Hāna Bay Beach Park; and on Nov. 21 in Kahului at the Maui Waena Intermediate School cafeteria on Oneheʻe Avenue.

The hearings are hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, and include testimony on proposed changes that include: bag and size limits for several popular nearshore fish, including goatfish, parrotfish or uhu, and Jacks including ulua and pāpio; and a prohibition on the harvest of blue male uhu for the two large uhu species, and slot limits for ʻōmilu.

The hearings come on the heels of three public information meetings that were held on Maui and Lānaʻi last month to explain the proposed rule changes.  Officials say any substantive changes to the proposed rules will be subject to further public review and comment.

“These proposed rules were developed over several years through consultation with the public, and have been guided by the best available science,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson in an agency issued press release.

“Effective resource management requires public involvement and the department is committed to gathering and considering all public testimony,” said Aila.

Agency officials remind the public that anyone interested in providing verbal or written testimony in person should first research the rules prior to attending the hearing.

Written and emailed testimony will also be accepted through Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 by email to: DLNR.MauiLanaiRules@hawaii.gov or by mail to: Division of Aquatic Resources, 130 Mahalani St., Wailuku, HI 96793.