Categorized | Environment

DLNR seeking streamlined permitted process to restore fishponds

MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is taking part in a “Hoala Loko Ia,” initiative with cultural practitioners in Hawaii to assist with the restoration and operation of traditional Hawaiian fishponds.

“Hawaiian fishpond systems, loko ia, are some of Hawaii’s most significant traditional cultural resources,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

“To help community organizations and traditional fishpond practitioners revitalize these important resources and navigate the many government regulations approvals,” Aila said, DLNR is currently pursuing a state programmatic general permit from the federal government.

“This will allow the state to streamline the permitting process by utilizing a single application process for the restoration, repair, maintenance and reconstruction of loko ia statewide,” Aila said.

The draft environmental assessment for the SPGP was published April 23 in the Environmental Notice, and DLNR is seeking public comments on the proposal.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment, along with other related documents, are available at:

* Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands – http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/manuals-reports

* Honua Consulting – http://www.honuaconsulting.com/lokoia

The official public comment period will run through May 23, 2013.

Project representatives are also available to meet on-site with fishpond practitioners to review the proposal.

For further information, contact Michael Cain at the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands at 808-783-2501 or by e-mail at Michael.Cain@hawaii.gov.

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