#Board of Land and Natural Resources
Land board authorizes temporary closures of wildlife sanctuaries
In an action inspired by last month’s birth of a monk seal on Mokulua island off of O‘ahu’s windward coast, the Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the temporary closure of wildlife sanctuaries statewide when necessary to protect endangered or threatened species.
State Land Board takes into consideration cultural resource damage, public impacts in $1.8M fine for boat grounding
“We commend members of the community, especially those from Honolua, who came forward to share their concerns.”
BLNR Chair Dawn Chang
#BigIslandNow #BigIslandNews
Plans to reintroduce ʻalalā into wild on Maui get go-ahead from BLNR
The released crows would come from a captive population of 120 birds housed at two conservation breeding facilities managed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance on Maui and the Big Island.
Why were oral arguments challenging permit of Thirty Meter Telescope deferred? Nobody will say
Despite a July 3 order setting July 28 as the date for oral arguments in the latest challenge to the Thirty Meter Telescope project on the Big Island’s Maunakea, the matter was deferred a week ago and nobody will say why or when the oral arguments will be heard.
Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources to reschedule Thirty Meter Telescope oral arguments
The Hawaiʻi State Board of Land and Natural Resources have deferred oral arguments regarding a petition from the Mauna Kea Hui for a declaratory ruling concerning the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Gov. Green issues emergency proclamation for former Uncle Billy’s hotel in Hilo
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday issued an emergency proclamation mandating the state take urgent action to deal with public safety issues at the former Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel, which once was an iconic resort and is now abandoned and a magnet for trespassers and illegal activity.
Kauaʻi community group battles mainland developersʻ plans for new hotel at former Coco Palms Resort
Mainland developers plan to transform the former Coco Palms Resort on Kaua’i into a new hotel, but community group I Ola Wailuanui is ramping up local outreach to share its alternative vision for the site.
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green enacts laws to protect beaches, shorelines, public land
New laws will provide resources for conservation, enact measures to assist with management and enforcement, and preserve the environment for future generations.
Cinder block lane markers for Kona canoe regatta damage 50 to 60 coral colonies
Cinder blocks used for lane markers for the Founders Regatta in Kona on May 27, 2023, caused damage to about 50 to 60 coral colonies.
Act 90 land-transfer partnership continues between state agencies
In the 20 years since its enactment, more than 250 leases, revocable permits, and vacant parcels representing more than 38,000 acres of crop and pasture lands have been transferred to the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation.
Division of Boating hit with $600K for wastewater violations – sort of
The Department of Health issued the boating division a Notice of Violation and Order for failure to produce effluent within state limits.
Distressed condos on Banyan Drive in Hilo may soon get a $20 million renovation
On Friday, the Hawai’i State Board of Land and Natural Resources will decide whether to approve a $20 million renovation of the former Country Club Condominiums complex by Banyan Drive Management LLC.
Earth Day celebrated at Pālamanui preserve in Kona by gardening, planting, composting
To celebrate Earth Day (Lā Honua), more than a dozen volunteers gathered on Friday at the Hawaiʻi Community College’s Pālamanui Campus in West Hawai‘i to garden, plant and compost.
Fishers, farmers sue Hawaiʻi state agency over West Kaua‘i Energy Project
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative – the county’s electricity provider – is planning to rehabilitate existing reservoirs, roads and irrigation systems throughout the West Side with project partner AES, a Fortune 500 global energy company.
Dredging in Honolulu Harbor damages 15,000 corals; barge company to pay $1.1 million settlement
In May 2021, while dredging Honolulu Harbor, the anchors and cables of a barge operated by Healy Tibbitts Builders broke or damaged more than 15,000 corals and 140 square yards of live rock.
Community group trying to buy Kauaʻi’s derelict Coco Palms Resort from Utah owners
I Ola Wailuanui, a Kauaʻi Community group, has launched a grassroots fundraising campaign to purchase the derelict resort, which last sold at a foreclosure auction for $22 million in 2021.
Deadline is Oct. 24 to provide feedback about relocating UH telescope to Hale Pōhaku
The UH Hilo teaching telescope now is undergoing decommissioning at the summit of Maunakea that is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Ige Nominates Big Island Engineer to Serve on State BLNR
A Big Island engineer is among several people from throughout the state picked by Gov. David Ige to serve on the Hawai’i Board of Land and Natural Resources.
State Seeks Big Island Nominations for BLNR
The state is seeking a person from the Big Island to serve on the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Pālamanui Forest Preserve Will Be a ‘Living Laboratory’
Thanks to an agreement between the University of Hawai‘i and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai‘i Community College students will be able to learn “indigenous wisdom” firsthand via the management of a lowland dry forest.
