David Y. Ige

Community workshops on O‘ahu planned to share new information

HONOLULU — As software advances continue to provide new applications for interactive online maps, natural resource managers are better able to use up-to-date information that is critical in advancing management capabilities. Two Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) divisions are now utilizing an interactive geographic information system (GIS) called MapTool which outlines boundaries of resource management areas, and provides site-specific information, including applicable regulations and a link to the relevant Hawai‘i Revised Statutes.

The Division of Aquatic Resources(DAR) map includes boundaries for the various ocean management areas including Marine Life Conservation Districts, Fishery Management Areas, Fisheries Replenishment Areas, Lay-net Ban Areas, and Community-based Fishing Areas.

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation(DOBOR) map currently includes the Maunalua Bay Ocean Recreation Management Area with boundaries, designated areas, and regulations for commercial jet skis, parasailing, recreational jet skis, and dive tour companies.

To help share these information resources with island communities, DLNR’s community outreach Makai Watch Program, will hold a series of statewide workshops to present the MapTool and share updates about the Makai Watch program. Makai Watch is a collaborative, statewide program where citizens and non-governmental organizations become directly involved with DLNR, in the management of marine resources through promoting compliance to rules, education, and monitoring.

The first two workshops will be on O‘ahu on:
Saturday February 17th from 9 to 11 a.m. at Kamiloiki Elementary Cafeteria, 7788 Hawai‘i Kai Dr, Honolulu; and
Saturday February 24th from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Wai‘anae Intermediate Cafeteria, 85-626 Farrington Hwy, Wai‘anae

Robert Farrell, administrator of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), said “Our goal via Makai Watch is to educate communities about rules, and help build compliance. MapTool can also be used to engage discussion between the DLNR’s rule writers and our officers to assure DLNR rules and regulations are enforceable.”

The focus of the workshops will be to continue building the relationship between communities and DLNR officers through the Makai Watch program. Presentations will provide an overview of the Makai Watch program, lessons learned thus far and plans for future pilot projects including the MapTool. Additional workshops on the neighbor islands are planned.

Luna Kekoa, Makai Watch coordinator for DOCARE, explained the MapTool was originally created to address concerns from DOCARE officers. “During a presentation of the DAR and DOBOR ‘Ike Kai curriculum, officers suggested updating the maps to tie into regulations.”

The Division of Aquatic Resources interactive map can be viewed here: https://histategis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c0dc296ff373486baa9e041e40f445b2

The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation interactive map can be viewed here: https://histategis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f6fe739b53e4fe09e53ecfb9ec2af56

For more information on the Makai Watch program click here: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/makaiwatch

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Additional resources:
Division of Aquatic Resources home page https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/ , click on “Regulations,” then “Regulated Areas”.

Or go to https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/regulated-areas/

Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation home page https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/ , click on “Administrative Rules.”

Or go to https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/rules/

Media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320