West Hawai’i Regional Fishery Management Focus of DLNR Meeting
A combined public information meeting and formal public rule making hearing is set in West Hawai’i to amend Hawai’i Administrative Rules Title 13, chapter 60.4, to establish the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Reserve.
Department of Land and Natural Resources officials will hold the meetings at Kealakehe High School Cafeteria on Thursday, Feb. 11. The informational meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the formal public rule making hearing will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The existing Ka‘ūpūlehu Fish Replenishment Area will be encompassed in the reserve boundaries. A 10-year “no take” period with limited exceptions is included under the proposed amendments to allow reef fish stocks to recover before the implementation of a subsistence fishery management plan for Ka‘ūpūlehu.
Those interested in presenting relevant information and their opinion for the DLNR to consider should attend the meeting.
Anyone unable to attend can mail written testimony by Friday, Feb. 26 to the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources at 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330; Honolulu, HI 96813.
Information or a copy of the proposed rules can be obtained via mail by request.