DLNR HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ESTABLISHING NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA

Starting tomorrow, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold three public hearings to discuss proposed adoption of Chapter 13-60.5, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Fisheries Management Area. The proposed rules, among other provisions, would limit entry into State waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by permit only, limit fishing to line gear only, such as trolling, handline, and pole and line, prohibit setting foot on shore, or destroying corals (including by anchoring). Permits would only be issued after a 30-day public comment period. These rules could impact small businesses.

The hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 at Kawananakoa School Cafeteria in Honolulu, O'ahu, 5:30 p.m.. on Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at Wilcox School Cafeteria, in Lihue, Kaua'i, and 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2002, at the Lihikai Elementary School in Wailuku, Maui. The Big Island hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at Kealakehe Intermediate School Cafeteria in Kona, Hawai'i and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2002, at the Hilo Intermediate School Cafeteria in Hilo, Hawai'i.

The proposed fisheries management area would establish a regulatory framework for State waters in the Northwestern Hawaiian islands (NWHI). While much of State waters in the NWHI are also part of a National Wildlife Refuge, currently no permit is needed to enter State waters in the region. The FMA would designate all state waters from the shoreline to 3 miles offshore as a fisheries management area. Permits may be issued for scientific purposes.

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearings to present relevant information and individual opinion for the DLNR to consider. Persons unable to attend but wishing to provide comments may mail written testimony to the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813. All testimonies must be received by February 15, 2002.

Anyone with a hearing impairment who desires to attend the public hearing may request assistance of a sign language interpreter. The request may be made in writing (to the DAR address in the preceding paragraph), or by calling 587-0100 (voice or TDD) in Honolulu. The request will need to be received at least 72 hours before the hearing is scheduled to start.

Additional information or a copy of the proposed rule will be mailed at no charge upon receipt of verbal or written request to the DAR address. They may also be viewed through the website at http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr

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