DLNR Wants Fishpond Restoration Permits Streamlined

Koʻieʻie Loko Iʻa on Maui extends into the waters fronting Kalepolepo Park near the Menehune Shores Condominium in South Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is leading an effort to streamline permitting for the restoration and operation of traditional Hawaiian fishponds.

“Hawaiian fishpond systems, loko i‘a, are some of Hawaiʻi’s most significant traditional cultural resources,” said William Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson in a department issued press release.

Aila continued saying the efforts will “help community organizations and traditional fishpond practitioners revitalize these important resources and navigate the many government regulations approvals.”

Koʻieʻie Loko Iʻa on Maui extends into the waters fronting Kalepolepo Park near the Menehune Shores Condominium in South Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The effort includes the pursuit of a state programmatic general permit from the federal government and participation in the “Ho‘āla Loko I‘a” initiative with cultural practitioners.

The programmatic permit, authorities say, will allow the state to use a single application process when seeking permits for fishpond repairs and reconstruction.

A draft environmental assessment for the SPGP was published on April 23, 2013.

Public comment on the document can be submitted through May 23, 2013.

***Supporting information courtesy Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.