LIHUE — Proposed changes to commercial marine license fees will be explained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in public hearing meetings set for Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 on Kauai. Proposed administrative rule amendments would increase the
LIHUE — Proposed changes to commercial marine license fees will be explained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in public hearing meetings set for Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 on Kauai.
Proposed administrative rule amendments would increase the annual commercial marine license fees from $50 per year to $100 per year, and then to $150 per year on Jan. 1, 2018.
Dates are tentative, pending approval of the rule changes.
“Commercial license fees haven’t increased in nearly 20 years, so we’re updating the fee schedule to reflect our current needs. The increased revenues will fund badly needed improvements to online reporting and licensing web sites, to better serve the fishing public,” said Bruce Anderson, administrator for DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources.
The proposed rules also would establish a reporting deadline for dealers who buy marine life directly from commercial fishers.
The Kauai hearings will be:
• Oct. 5 – Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria, Lihue, 4431 Nuhou St., 6 to 9 p.m.
• Oct. 10 – Kapaa Elementary School, 4886 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, 6 to 9 p.m.
Relevant information and community opinion will be accepted at the hearings, according to DLNR.
Send written comments to Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813. Deadline for comments is Oct. 13.
