State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials want to meet with Kaua‘i residents to get their comments on a proposal to establish a marine refuge in state waters off the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The intent behind the proposal, which
State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials want to meet with Kaua‘i residents to get their comments on a proposal to establish a marine refuge in state waters off the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The intent behind the proposal, which involves adoption of rules by the DLNR’s Board of Land and Natural Resources, is to protect marine resources there, and to implement an entry-permit program for the waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands under state jurisdiction.
State waters now extend three miles from the shoreline.
A DLNR-sponsored hearing has been scheduled at the Lihu‘e Public Library at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28. Similar hearings will be held across the state from July 21 to July 29.
Establishment of the proposed refuge would strengthen coordinated management of the area through research, monitoring, enforcement, restoration and marine-debris removal, DLNR officials said.
The proposed rules, if adopted, would still allow hook-and-line fishing in specified areas, and could minimally affect some fishing vessels that operate in waters under the jurisdiction of the DLNR, agency officials said.
Whether the rules will be supported by Kaua‘i fishermen is uncertain, as some in the past have voiced opposition to government attempts to restrict commercial and recreational fishing in Hawaiian waters.
DLNR Chairperson Peter Young said the refuge proposal, if adopted, will be a bold step to protect Hawai‘i’s coral-reef system.
“This is a worthy place of special protection, and our goal is to propose regulations that allow for some limited use, while ensuring that the resources are not degraded,” Young said.
Kaua‘i residents who want to see the rule changes can go to www.hawaii.gov/dlnr, and then go the Division of Aquatic Resources link.
People may send comments via e-mail on the proposed rule changes to DLNR.NWHIRules@hawaii.gov., or by U.S. mail to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813.
People may also call DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward, toll-free at 274-3141, then 7-0320# after the recorded message.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
