MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold statewide public hearings to receive testimony on proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13, Subtitle 5, Part 2, Chapter 124, “Indigenous Wildlife, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, and Introduced Wild Birds.”

The primary purpose of the proposed amendments is to prohibit and deter the transport and release of introduced wildlife. Introduced species can impact Hawaii’s ecosystems and economy by introducing harmful predation and competition to indigenous species, damaging watersheds, spreading pathogens and diseases, and harming agriculture.

“The movement of live, introduced wildlife poses direct threats to our native ecosystems, and the proposed amendments will help prevent harm to our natural resources and economy,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairman.

The purpose of the public hearings is to collect public testimony on the proposed amendments, such as suggestions for clarifications, improvements or modifications.

DLNR encourages the public to provide testimony by either attending hearings or submitting written testimony.

The public hearings are scheduled as follows:

* Hilo
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27
Where: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Conference Room,
19 East Kawili St., Hilo

* Kona
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28
West Hawaii Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale, Building G,
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Building B, Kailua-Kona

* Maui
When: 6 p.m. Monday, April 1
Lihikai Elementary School Cafeteria,
335 S. Papa Ave., Kahului

* Lanai
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 2
Lanai High and Elementary School Cafeteria,
555 Fraser Ave., Lanai City

* Molokai
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3
Mitchell Pauole Community Center Hall,
90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai, Molokai

* Oahu
When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4
Kalanimoku Building, Room 132,
1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu

* Kauai
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 5
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria,
4431 Nuhou St., Lihue

The public may submit written testimony within 15 days following the close of the last public hearing by mailing written testimony to: Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813, attention Lauren Goodmiller.

The public can review the proposed amendments at:

http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/about-dlnr/rules/

Administrative Rules

For more information, contact Lauren Goodmiller at (808)587-0028 or Lauren.E.Goodmiller@hawaii.gov