DLNR NEWS RELEASE: Drug, alcohol prohibition among new rules proposed for natural area reserves
Posted on Oct 12, 2016 in Latest Department NewsDLNR to hold public hearing on rules amendments
HONOLULU — People will have a chance to provide their thoughts and opinions on proposed rule changes for Hawai‘i Natural Area Reserves (NARs). Testimony can be given at a hearing on Maui on Thursday, November 10, 2016 starting at 6 p.m. It will be at the Kihei Community Center, 303 E. Lipoa Street.
The rule amendments being proposed by the DLNR would prohibit alcohol and drug use in natural area reserves, amend permit provisions, establish closure hours, and establish provisions for removal of vehicles from natural area reserves.
Also being proposed is the establishment of parking fees for the ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve to provide a self-sustaining funding source. Hawai‘i residents won’t be charged.
The amended rules apply across the entire Natural Area Reserves System (NARS). The parking fees are, for now, particularly focused on ‘Āhihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve, which is the reason the hearing is being held on Maui.
The rule amendments can be reviewed online at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/NARS-draft-rules-160311.pdf or you can review them at any branch office of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife branch office is at 1995 Main Street, Room 301 in Wailuku.
Anyone can testify or present information at the public hearing. Written comments may be addressed to Betsy Gagne, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Natural Area Reserves Commission, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813 or via e-mail to [email protected] with subject line of “Rule comments,” by November 30, 2016. All comments will be incorporated into a summary with recommendations that will go to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for further consideration or adoption.
If you want to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aids (taped materials or sign language interpreter) please request assistance five working days prior to the hearing by writing to or calling Betsy Gagne, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813; (808) 587-0063.
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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320