Department of Land and Natural Resources

The public is cautioned to avoid disturbing pups and their mothers while peak pupping season is underway. Although the seals give birth year-round, March through August is when the majority of the pups debut.

A recent court ruling requires tour boat operators to stop their operations until the state conducts environmental assessments, or determines that the businesses don't need a review. But the measure would side-step the ruling by allowing the “temporary continuation” of authorized ocean recreation and coastal areas programs while environmental reviews are underway.

Coral curator Christina Jayne discusses how coral pyramids will be outplanted at two sites as a restoration and enhancement method to help Oʻahu's reefs.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has been developing a management plan for the Pololū trail on Hawaiʻi Island aimed at addressing the large amounts of visitors.

Lawmakers nixed a proposal to move the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council from under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Local conservation advocates and invasive species experts opposed moving HISC from the start.

The Division of Aquatic Resources will be hosting meetings for residents to engage in the site selection process for transplanting coral. The public can give feedback through meetings in person, or through an online survey.

A new, 30-acre infestation of little fire ants in Hauʻula has prompted a renewed call for better invasive species management in Hawaiʻi. Last week, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed a part of the Hauʻula Forest Reserve on Oʻahu to eradicate the ants.

Under the bill, if the state Department of Land and Natural Resources cannot complete a project review within 60 days, the project would be passed onto a third party chosen by the State Historic Preservation Division.

Karl Magnacca is a survey entomologist with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at the Department of Land and Natural Resources. He spoke with The Conversation about the discovery, and what being a professional bug hunter is really like.

The fees would go to the state park special fund, which is used to pay for park staff, maintenance and programming. Ten state parks, including Diamond Head State Monument, already require an entry fee for nonresidents.