DLNR Takes Steps to Protect Natural, Cultural Resources

The following comes from the Governor's weekly E-Newsletter:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is implementing new measures to improve its management of the Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park on Hawaii Island and better protect its sensitive natural, historic and cultural resources through education.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park on the Big Island of Hawai`i is the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1779.

To prevent damage to the shoreline and coral reef and accidental destruction of significant historic and cultural sites by large numbers of visitors, DLNR is now requiring that visitors to the park receive information regarding the sensitive sites and guidance on how they can help preserve the natural beauty of the area during their visit.

Effective February 23, 2010, information will be provided through a simple permit system for people seeking to land vessels along the Ka‘awaloa shoreline or moor at the wharf adjacent to the Captain Cook Monument in the bay.

"Residents can easily access free education and cultural practices permits that will provide guidance to ensure there is no accidental damage to the cultural sites," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

"Visitors have guided tours to ensure they appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the areas and eliminate inadvertent damage," she added. "In the meantime, the entire bay remains open to all people to enjoy the pristine waters and marine life."

Signs will be posted at entry locations along the bay to notify people of this new system and provide information on how to obtain a permit.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and Ka`awaloa peninsula within the bay are two of Hawai`i's most significant historical and cultural locations, with an abundance of fragile and significant archaeological sites. Ka`awaloa is the shoreline commonly used to access the famous Captain Cook Monument from the bay. Boaters also use this shoreline to beach their vessel before snorkeling at Ka`awaloa Cove.

DLNR has conducted recent law enforcement actions at the pier in cooperation with Hawai`i County Police to address illegal commercial rental of kayaks. Several illegal kayaks have been confiscated. The department is informing kayak rental vendors of the new permit requirement, and requesting that the vendors advise their customers of the landing without a permit restriction.


DLNR Enforcement officers have posted and distributed the same notice at Napo`opo`o Pier. DLNR will also implement an outreach plan to kayak and ocean recreation companies, visitor and resident recreational interests.

Visit the DLNR website to learn more.

Celebrate Arbor Day and Support Native Plant Programs November 6th

Looking to spruce up your yard or lanai with some new plants? Want to contribute to native plant programs? Check out the Arbor Day plant sales on Friday November 6th at DOFAW baseyards on O'ahu and Big Island. See below for details: 

HONOLULU –   Celebrate Arbor Day in Hawaii and “go green” by purchasing and planting a native plant from the Arbor Day plant sale on Friday, November 6 at Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) nurseries on O‘ahu and the Big Island.

Plant sales will feature both native and non-native plants raised at DOFAW nurseries that are popular with gardeners and landscapers. Proceeds will be used to support nursery operations and forest management.

The O‘ahu plant sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Makiki baseyard, 2135  Makiki Heights Drive, above the Hawai‘i Nature Center.  Some of the species included are. ‘ohia, koa, ‘a‘ali‘i, and lama. Prices start at $1 for dibble tubes and up to $15 for larger potted plants and shrubs. For information call the DOFAW O‘ahu baseyard at 973-9784. 

The Big Island plant sale will take place at two locations, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. In Hilo the plant sale is at the DOFAW baseyard at 19 E. Kawili St. (corner of Kawili St. and Kilauea Ave.). Phone 974-4221.  In Kamuela, the sale is at the DOFAW Kamuela office at 66-1220A Lalamilo Road. Call 887-6061. 

A few of the native species that will be available are: koa, koai‘a, ‘ohia, hame, koko (hibiscus), alahe‘e and loulu. A few of the non-native species that will be available are:  puakenikeni, Mexican/Monterey cypress, Loblolly/Sugi pines, ‘ohia‘ai, cacao and Podocarpus.

The cost of plant species will range from $1 each for dibble tube seedlings to $15 each for 3-gallon pots. There are no limits on quantities purchased and all sales are on a cash only basis.

Drive for Conservation - Save Our Native Species license plate decals available

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife has the responsibility to manage and recover more than 329 rare, threatened, and endangered species across the state. With limited funds, the Division prioritizes the needs of species through planning and consultation with subject area experts and works with partners to develop and implement projects to protect and recover these species.

After many years of discussion and many requests, the Division worked with county Motor Vehicle Divisions to create the DLNR/DOFAW license plate. The Division designed and introduced the specialty license plate to raise awareness about the need to protect Hawai'i’s threatened and endangered native species. 

The artwork, designed by Ron Walker, features an I’iwi (Hawaiian honey creeper) and the Ohia lehua blossom along with the words "Protect Our Native Species."

By purchasing a specialty license plate every individual in the state has the opportunity to assist in the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitat. The funds generated from license plate sales will be used to support Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife existing programs in need of additional resources. 

Click here to find out more about the Organization License Plate/Decal Program on Oahu.
For info about licensing in Maui, Kauai or Hawaii county, click here.

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