Laura H. Thielen, director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), will update the Maui Community Advisory Council on DLNR's initiatives to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources on Maui and around the state, when the council meets at 5 p.m. July 16 at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, 91 Pukalani Ave. in Pukalani.

Thielen will also address efforts to protect Maui's coastal and marine life, including regulations for aquarium fishing, bag limits, establishing Fish Replacement Areas and creating a no-take herbivore list. The meeting is open to the public.

Gov. Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give the neighbor islands a stronger voice in state government. The Maui Community Advisory Council holds monthly public meetings to seek community input and advise the governor of important issues on Maui, public priorities, and recommendations for state boards and commissions.

Members of the Maui Community Advisory Council are: Madge Schaefer (chair), Kalei Sombelon (vice chair), Kathryn Ghean, John Henry, Barbara-Ann Keller, Carl Lindquist, Lori Ululani Sablas, Shan Steinmark and Gail K. Takeuchi.