#Natural Resources

Hawaiʻi’s new first-in-the-nation climate impact fee to be paid by tourists took effect Jan. 1, but for now it will not include cruise ship passengers due to an 11th hour ruling by a federal appeals court.

Gov. Josh Green signed into law Monday bills aimed at expanding the state’s efforts to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources and fostering sustainable tourism practices. However, one of the bills, House Bill 2475, is unpopular with commercial ocean activity operators.

With the 32nd State Legislature set to begin on Jan. 17, the Hawaiʻi Senate Majority said it is focused on addressing a range of issues, with a key focus on supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires.

To help curb axis deer populations in Maui County, the Hawaiʻi State Division of Forestry and Wildlife is launching a program that will incentive eligible private landowners and lessees to harvest the non-indigenous animals.

This year, the Hawaiʻi State Capitol is open to the pubic and in-person public sessions for the first time since COVID-19 led to social distancing.

“Hawai’i’s oceans and coral reefs are in dire need of investment to sustain their future in the face of climate change,” said Suzanne Case, Chair of the  Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Hawai’i will recive more than $14 million in federal funding from the US Department of the Interior to be used for combating invasive mosquitoes in the state.

DLNR and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority have partnered to launch Mālama Hawai‘i, a comprehensive campaign designed to educate and remind visitors and kama‘āina about being respectful of the islands’ natural resources, protecting wildlife and staying safe at all times while in Hawai‘i.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority in partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, is now accepting applications for the Kukulu Ola – Living Hawaiian Culture Program and Natural Resources Program.

Tasha Kama, 2010 candidate for State House District 8, Transcript: Introduction:  Aloha, my name is Tasha Kama.  I’m a Democrat running for the State House of Representatives for District 8 which encompasses the communities of Waikapu, Wailuku, Waiehu, Waihee and Kahakuloa.  We must remedy our reliance on imported goods and must think, behave and act sustainably […]

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close ‘Iao Valley State Park on Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1 while it is painting railings along the main walkways and bridge that lead to the garden area, lookout shelter and stream trail.  State officials say the park closure is needed to ensure […]

Justin Hughey, 2010 candidate for State House District 8, Transcript: Introduction: My name is Justin Hughey and I’m running for State House of Representatives, District 8.  I am a teacher, and I work a second job at a restaurant in order to be a teacher, even though I have a Master’s Degree.  My predominant focus is […]

Joe Souki, 2010 candidate for State House District 8, Transcript: Introduction: My name is Joseph Souki.  I am currently an incumbent member of the House, 8th District.  I am from District 8 all the way from Kahakuloa to Waikapu.  This past year, I’ve been part of the leadership and the chairman of the Transportation Committee.  I […]

By Wendy Osher (Update 4:39 p.m. 7/30/10) A dead sperm whale continues to float in waters off of Hana Maui.  The carcass was observed in waters near Makaalae Thursday afternoon, but residents say the dead whale was first seen on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Crews from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were […]

The ‘Ahihi-Kinau’u Natural Area Reserve in South Maui will remain under restricted access for two more years under a plan approved by the state Board of land and Natural Resources.  “The most popular and well-used portions of the reserve will remain open for use during visitor hours as they have for the last two years, […]

By Wendy Osher The Maalaea fire is now 90% contained according to Maui Fire Chief Jeffery Murray.  The fire began Monday night and burned a total of 5,800 acres.  Because of the ongoing operations, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources today decided to close the Lahaina Pali Trail in the West Maui Mountains […]

By Wendy Osher Discussions continue on a recommendation to keep the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve closed after current restrictions are set to expire on July 31, 2010. DLNR began enforcing the two year closure on access to the majority of the reserve, including unofficial trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa, and Mokuha on August 1, […]

Lana‘i and Moloka‘i fishers can register their laynets with staff of the Department of Land and Natural Resources this month.   Staff from the Aquatic Resources Division will be on both islands for scheduled public hearings on proposed amendments to bottomfish rules. They will also be available to issue commercial fishing licenses and explain the new […]