MEDIA RELEASE

Residents are encouraged to submit comments or attend a public hearing to provide testimony.

Proposed rules

The rule amendments support the Department’s Recreational Renaissance Plan B, to restore and preserve Hawaii’s small boat harbors and other ocean recreation facilities, state parks, and trails through improved maintenance and operations.

Additional information on the comprehensive Recreational Renaissance Plan B is on the DLNR Web site at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/recreate

The hearings will begin with a brief presentation of the overall Recreational Renaissance Plan B, a short overview of the specific rule amendments, and then receive public testimony.

Copies of the public notice and the draft rules are available online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/rules

State Park highlights – Proposed rule amendments allow online camping and lodging reservations via the internet and payment by credit card and clarify some definitions and penalties.  Current rules only allow overnight accommodation reservations by mail or walk in.

Boating and Ocean Recreation highlights – Proposed rule amendments to mooring rates, temporary mooring rates, and vessel registration fees.  Revenues will support program operations and increases in repair and maintenance under Plan B.

Forestry and Wildlife highlights – Public shooting ranges: Proposed rule amendments will allow for the establishment and management of public shooting ranges statewide.  Presently there are very few public shooting ranges in Hawaii, and none on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai.  Wildlife Sanctuaries: Proposed amendment replace current rules for wildlife sanctuaries entirely by proposing the adoption of a new chapter, which would improve management tools and add 6 new wildlife sanctuaries.  Current rules, have not been amended for nearly 30 years, meanwhile, the importance of sanctuaries in the overall conservation of native wildlife has increased.

Submitting comments

Written testimony may be submitted to DLNR via mail or e-mail.  All comments must be post-marked or e-mailed by Thursday, Nov/ 19, 2009.

Mail: Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Attn:  Recreational Renaissance Rules,  P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI  96809

E-mail: RecreationalRenaissance@hawaii.gov

The public hearings are scheduled as follows but not to exceed 2 hours: