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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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| HONOLULU — As many as 15 different seabird species inhabit Hawai‘i’s offshore islands during their mating season, providing unique opportunities for residents, visitors and the scientific community to observe and appreciate them in the wild. Yet their nearness to the main islands poses a potential threat to their well-being. "A number of our offshore islands, such as the Mokulua Islands off Lanikai and Kailua, are located near popular beaches and have seen a tremendous increase in human visitation in recent years," said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. "We have also seen an increase in prohibited activities, such as hiking into the interior of the islands, trampling and crushing of nesting burrows, illegal fires and beach parties, which have detrimental effects on the nesting birds," he said. For this reason, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding the public to help protect seabirds by obeying posted warning signs on O‘ahu's offshore islands. Because the islands are predator-free, the state has designated many of these areas as state seabird sanctuaries to provide safe and secure nesting and roosting habitat for the birds that inhabit them. Some sanctuary islands, such as Moku Manu and Manana Island, are completely closed to public access and it is illegal for any individual to land on these islands. At the remainder, activities that do not disturb the resident seabirds are allowed, such as access to coastal (not inland) trails, as well as beach landings or shoreline fishing. It is prohibited to camp, have campfires, take pets, litter or use weapons on these islands. "These offshore islands are laboratories for study of wildlife and DLNR is engaged in research, habitat restoration, enforcement, wildlife surveys and predator control to protect these resources," said Young. "If you do visit one of these islands, please obey the 'no trespass' and 'no entry' signs and keep out of nesting and roosting areas to prevent collapse of nesting burrows in the sand and soft soil. Stay off the interior of the islands and avoid vegetation areas where seabirds usually nest,” he added. "By obeying these simple rules, we can protect this resource for the enjoyment of future generations of fisherman, birders, photographers, boaters and beachgoers,” he said. Violators of sanctuary rules are subject to both criminal and administrative penalties. Anyone witnessing a violation is urged to call the DLNR Enforcement hotline at 587-0077 and make a report. Be sure to gather as much information about the suspect(s), including description of vessel, individuals and clothes worn so that our conservation enforcement officers can follow-up and possibly identify violators. To help spread the word about the unique natural resources of our offshore islands, DLNR is also engaged in partnerships to provide educational materials for schools. Interested parties can visit www.savekailuabay.com to see the latest education materials developed by local school children this past year, and www.hear.org/naturalareas/oahu_islets/index.html to see the vegetation surveys DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife recently conducted.
Jolie Wanger |
