Refuge proposal to get hearings

Advertiser Staff

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold public hearings this month to discuss proposed establishment of a marine refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

"The proposed refuge will strengthen coordinated management in the region by supporting appropriate research, monitoring, enforcement, restoration and marine debris removal," said Peter Young, DLNR chairman.

"This is a place worthy of special protection, and our goal is to propose regulations that allow for some limited use while ensuring that the resources are not degraded."

The proposed rules may affect some fishing vessels. Limited fishing by hook and line would be allowed in some areas.

Hearings will begin at 6 p.m.

• O'ahu — Wednesday at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park.

• Maui — Thursday at Maui Community College, Laulima Building Room 107, Kahului.

• Kaua'i — July 27 at Lihu'e Public Library.

• Big Island — July 28 at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel's Honu Room in Kailua; and July 29 at the Waiakea High School cafeteria in Hilo.

The proposed rules may be viewed at the DLNR home page, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr (click on Division of Aquatic Resources or fishing).