A: Call the Office of the Chairperson at 587-0405, or consult the agenda of submittals (items proposed for Land Board action) to the DLNR Land Board. Anyone may write or call the office and request to be put on the agenda mailing list.
Q: Where and how can I review the Land Board submittal items?
A: All submittals listed on the agenda are available for review in the Office of the Chairperson regardless of where the meetings are held. It's available for review usually 6 days before the meeting during normal business hours 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Kalanimoku State Office Building, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 131, in Honolulu.
Q: Where can submittals be reviewed on the neighbor islands?
A: Land Board folders are mailed to DLNR's neighbor island offices a week before the meeting (usually on a Friday). Submittals are available for review at DLNR Land Division district offices as follows:
- Hawai`i (Hilo) - 75 Aupuni St., Rm. 204, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720, (808) 974-6203
- Maui - 54 S. High St., Wailuku, Hawai`i 96793, (808) 984-8100
- Kaua`i - 3060 Eiwa St., Rm. 306, Lihu`e, Hawai`i 96766, (808) 274-3491
Q: How can I testify on a submittal item?
A: Anyone wishing to testify on an agenda item before the Board may do so in person on the day of the meeting or via written testimony. Please submit 10 copies of your testimony to the Office of the Chairperson, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 130, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813, on or before the day of the meeting in which the agenda item is to be heard.
Q: How can I bring a matter before the Land Board? What's the process?
A: To request to bring a matter before the Land Board, please write a letter to the Chairperson, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 130, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813. Please state the details of the situation concerned, and the name and contact information of the individual(s) we can call. The Chairperson can refer the matter to the appropriate division for staff action. Some matters may be handled through administrative action by the division(s) responsible, or be referred for Land Board action.
A: Burials at sea involving a corpse are infrequent but the rule Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation uses is that the disposal should take place beyond the three nautical mile limit from land, and that all measures should be taken to ensure that the remains sink to the bottom rapidly and permanently. This is in accord with Federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Q: Is a permit needed to collect rocks from streams?
A: Yes, a permit is required to take rocks from streams on State land for either personal use or commercial use. Under Chapter 171-3 of the Hawai`i Revised Statutes, DLNR is responsible to protect and preserve the State's natural resources, by managing, administering, and exercising control over public lands, the water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, coastal areas (excluding commercial harbor areas), and minerals and all other interests, and exercises such powers of disposition as may be authorized by law.
However, in areas (such as rivers, mountains etc.) where resources are in abundance, DLNR's Land Division can authorize the removal of certain resources (rocks, sand, etc.) through the issuance of a Land License (Chap 171-54, Hawai`i Revised Statutes). For more information, call the DLNR Land Division office on the respective island.
- O`ahu - 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 220, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813, (808) 587-0414.
- Hawai`i (Hilo) - 75 Aupuni St., Rm. 204, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720, (808) 974-6203.
- Maui - 54 S. High St., Wailuku, Hawai`i 96793, (808) 984-8100.
- Kaua`i - 3060 Eiwa St., Rm. 306, Lihu`e, Hawai`i 96766, (808) 274-3491.
Q: Is it legal to take sand, shells, corals and stones from the beach, or rocks from streams?
A: Chapter 171.58.5 of Hawai`i Revised Statutes states:
Prohibitions. The mining or taking of sand, dead coral or coral rubble, rocks, soil or other marine deposits seaward from the shoreline is prohibited with the following exceptions:(1) The taking from seaward of the shoreline of such materials, not in excess of one gallon per person per day for reasonable, personal, noncommercial use;
The other three exceptions are to allow replenishment or protection of public shoreline areas, clearing of stream mouths, and cleaning of areas seaward of the shoreline for state or county maintenance.
Taking of sand on a regular basis for use as a product for sale would be considered as constituting a commercial use, which is not permissible.
Q: How can I purchase a DLNR calendar, T-shirts, marine life posters, maps and other merchandise?
A: Calendars, posters, T-shirts and other items are available at the DLNR Mini-Store in the Visitor Center of the Kalanimoku Building, room 131, 1151 Punchbowl St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Sorry, mail-order is not presently available. In the near future, DLNR will offer items via an online store.
Q: Where, and how can I review an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
A: The best place to check first is the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) in the State Department of Health, 235 S. Beretania St., Suite 702, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Phone is (808) 586-4185. Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments on proposed (and approved) projects may be reviewed there. OEQC publishes a bimonthly bulletin (Environmental Notice) listing statements or assessments that have been received. OEQC can also tell you where to call within a state or county agency to review the documents on file for public review.
EA/EIS for projects requiring approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources may be reviewed at OEQC, or at the appropriate DLNR division office. The division sponsoring the project will have the EA/EIS for the project. Not all EA/EISs for DLNR projects are available at DLNR's Land Division. While many such Departmental projects require Land Division action (such as a CDUA, or some kind of a Land Disposition), not all do.
Q: Where can I obtain a list of endangered species of plants, animals and insects in Hawai`i?
A: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site (http://endangered.fws.gov/r1spndx.html) lists endangered species in Pacific Region 1, which includes Hawai`i and other western states. Or call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands Ecoregion, at 541-3441. If you don't have access to the Internet at home, work or school, you can get into that web site using the Internet computer at your local public library.
Q: What kinds of free information can I get from DLNR?
A: Walk-ins to the DLNR Visitor and Education Center located in the Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street, room 130, Honolulu, can select publications and brochures about DLNR programs, State parks, trail maps and Hawai`i's resources. Visitors to DLNR satellite offices on neighbor islands can request the same materials. Not all offices carry a full selection of materials available for distribution. Call in advance for information.
Q: How do I get a permit to collect plants in the forest?
A: Special permits to collect plants on conservation land or natural reserves can be obtained through the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu or through DOFAW satellite offices on the neighbor islands. Call DOFAW for details. Special restrictions apply.
Q: How do I get general information about Hawai`i's climate, endangered plants and animals, minerals?
A: Browse the DLNR web site for information about native and alien species. Try our links to related sites for information about Hawai`i's geology, volcanoes, the ocean, etc.
Q: How can my community/church/school group plan/carry out a cleanup of a beach or park?
A: Call (808) 587-0393 for current information on how to volunteer. The Division of State Parks has an Adopt-A-Park program especially geared for large community groups. Call O`ahu programs directly at:
- State Parks - 587-0307
- Ocean and Beach Cleanups - 587-0099
- DOFAW (Division of Forestry and Wildlife) - 587-0061
- Trail Work (Na Ala Hele program) - 587-9782
- Natural Area Reserves - 587-0063
Q: Whom do I call regarding lost, injured, sick or dead marine animals (seabirds, seals, whales, dolphins) or sea turtles?
A: Seabirds - US Fish and Wildlife Service, (808)541-3445. Marine mammals, Whales, Dolphins and Seals - Margaret Dupree, NMFS Pacific Islands Area Office (808)973-2935 x210; weekends, evenings 1-800-853-1964. Sea Turtles - Sea Turtle Stranding Network 983-5731. Or, call 911. Calls for any of the above or to report harrasment of the above animals can also go to the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (808)587-0077.
Q: Who do I call about dead fish in streams?
A: If you see large numbers of dead fish in a stream, call the Division of Aquatic Resources (on O`ahu - 587-0100) or the Department of Health Clean Water Branch (on O`ahu - 586-4309) as soon as possible. Please provide an address or description of the location of the fish kill, date and time. On weekends or after hours, call the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement Hotline on O`ahu at (808) 587-0077. On weekends and after hours, neighbor island callers may call toll free by dialing the Operator and asking for Enterprise 5469.
Q: How can I find out whether DLNR has any job openings, or how to apply?
A: Throughout the State, hiring is extremely limited at this time, due to severe budget restrictions. The only jobs for which applications are continually accepted are for groundskeepers and general laborers. Anyone interested in these positions may contact the Personnel Office on O`ahu (808) 587-0180.
Any other openings will be posted in the classified section of the Sunday edition of the Honolulu Star Bulletin & Advertiser. Inquiries regarding subscription rates can be made to the Hawai`i Newspaper Agency, 605 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813, Ph. (808) 538-0977.
Openings are also posted in all State government buildings on O`ahu, and public libraries on all islands, and online at http:www.midweek.com in the Hawai`i State and County Public Notices section. The DLNR Personnel Office on O`ahu (1151 Punchbowl St., Room 231) posts a listing of open positions, and provides job descriptions for filled or unfilled positions.
Hawai`i public employment law requires that an applicant be a legal resident of the State at the time of application. To be considered a legal resident, the applicant must be physically present in Hawai`i and demonstrate intent to become a legal resident by taking such action as maintaining a domicile in Hawai`i, filing Hawai`i State income tax returns, and registering to vote in local elections.
Upon relocating to Hawai`i, please contact the Department's Personnel Office, or the Dept. of Human Resources Development, which is the State's central hiring agency, at 235 S. Beretania St., 11th floor, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813, Ph. (808) 587-0977.
Q: How to I get information about documents and procedures for specific land title transactions?
A: Call the Bureau of Conveyances for procedures and information on conducting a document search via the BOC Reference Library in the Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu.
Q: What is the difference between Land Court System and Regular System at the Bureau of Conveyances?
A: There are two systems of recording in the State of Hawaii. Regular System basically serves to give "notice" that something is on record. Documents recorded in the Regular System are numbered. Prior to 1990, documents were identified by a book and page reference, i.e. Book 224, Page 334. Since 1990, documents recorded are identified by the year followed by the sequential number of recording, i.e. 90-0001234. Administration of this activity is governed by Chapter 502 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Because of confusion determining land ownership, similar names, etc., Land Court was established in 1903 and functions as a registration system for land ownership. Certificate of titles are issued to owners of land registered in Land Court and documents are identified currently by a seven digit number. Number to the Certificate of Title and document run in sequence from the first issuance in 1903. Unlike Regular System property, ownership in Land Court is guaranteed by the State of Hawaii. Those that place their property in Land Court had to go through a lengthy process of a judicial review of the survey of the parcel, title abstract and determination of ownership. With the ability to obtain title insurance on land ownership, the need for judicial determination of ownership has decreased tremendously. Activities of Land Court is governed by Chapter 501 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Chapters 501 and 502, Hawaii Revised Statues, can provide you more information on this subject if you desire.
Q: How do I get information about hunting and fishing licenses?
A: Call the DLNR One-Stop Permit Counter, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (except State holidays): Fishing licenses - 587-0109 (or Division of Aquatic Resources, 587-0100).
Q: How do I get camping and hiking permits and transportation information for various State parks, including valleys along the Na Pali Coast of Kaua`i.
A: Hiking and camping permits are available for walk-ins at the DLNR One-Stop Shop in the Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street, room 130, Honolulu. Permits and information can also be obtained by calling the DLNR permit counter or by calling State Parks (808) 587-0300. For hiking permits and trail maps - (808) 587-0166.
Q: Whom do I call for ocean event permits?
A: Call the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation district office on the respective island:
- O`ahu - 587-1973
- Hawai`i - (808) 329-4997
- Kaua`i - (808) 245-8028
- Maui - (808) 243-5824
Q: Where can I obtain island recreation maps?
A: Island recreation maps are available through the DLNR Mini-Store on O`ahu, or through DLNR district offices on the neighbor islands.
- O`AHU MAP - No Longer Available.
- MAUI MAP - Free/available at DLNR's Mini-Store on O`ahu, and at Division of Forestry and Wildlife Maui district office, 54 S. High St., Wailuku, Hawai`i 96793.
- KAUA`I MAP - Free/send 10-1/2 by 12-1/2 self-addressed envelope with $1 postage to Division of Forestry and Wildlife Kauai District Office, 3080 Eiwa St., Room 306, Lihu`e, Hawai`i 96766.
- HAWAI`I MAP - Free/available from Division of Forestry and Wildlife Hawai`i District Office, 75 Aupuni St., #204, Hilo, Hawai`i 96721-0936.
Q: Where can I obtain topographical maps of Hawai`i?
A: DLNR has limited topographical strip maps of hiking trails we maintain on each island. Large USGS quadrant maps may be obtained from the Hawai`i Geographic Society.
Q: There are branches hanging over my fence from the adjacent property, dropping fruit and leaves. What can I do?
A: If the tree branches dropping leaves and fruits are located on private property, you may want to contact the property owner first, before trimming the tree branches overhanging onto your side of the property.
If the tree on the other side is on state-owned land, or in the conservation district, under jurisdiction of Department of Land and Natural Resources, call the DLNR Land Division on the respective island. If possible, have available the Tax Map Key number or street address of the property when you call.
- O`ahu - (808) 587-0414
- Hawai`i - (808) 974-6203
- Maui - (808) 984-8100
- Kaua`i - (808) 274-3491
Q: Who can I call about dumping of trash, hazardous materials, bulky items or automobiles, etc. on state land or in streams?
A: When observing someone dumping trash, hazardous materials, bulky items or automobiles on State lands, please note date, time, and if possible, make and license plate number of violator's vehicle. Please provide address or description of the location of property where trash is located so the correct land owner can be identified. If you have this information available when you call DLNR's Land Division offices on your island, it will help to determine the correct land owner and what action can be taken.
- O`ahu - (808) 587-0414
- Hawai`i - (808) 974-6203
- Maui - (808) 984-8100
- Kaua`i - (808) 274-3491
Q: Who do I call if I witness a violation of environmental laws:
A: To report air and water pollution violators, oil and hazardous waste spills, call the Department of Health, Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office (oil spills, hazardous materials): 587-4249. If possible, have available the Tax Map Key number, street address or specific location of the area when you call.
Q: Who do I call to report conservation law violations?
A: Call the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement on O`ahu at 587-0077 to report violations of state laws regarding fishing and aquatic resources, hunting, boating and ocean recreation, forest reserves and state parks, etc. During normal business hours, neighbor island residents may call local DOCARE offices at: (Hilo - 974-6208, Kona - 323-3141, Kaua`i - 274-3521, Maui - 984-8110, Moloka`i - 553-5190, Lana`i - 565-6688. On weekends and after hours, neighbor island callers may call toll free by dialing the Operator and asking for Enterprise 5469.
Q: Is a permit required for scattering of ashes at sea? Who do I call?
A: For scattering of ashes that will not involve a large crowd and a number of vessels, no permit is required. The State Dept. of Health considers cremated remains are not a health hazard in the marine environment, when scattered prudently without creating a nuisance. Out of courtesy for other ocean users, DLNR asks that the ashes be dispersed at sea beyond the reef line. We suggest that loose flowers be scattered instead of leis, as marine animals could become sick from eating the strings of the leis.
If a large event is planned for scattering of ashes, please contact Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation at 587-1963 in advance (14 days in advance, if possible) for an ocean event permit. There is no cost. The purpose is to assure that ocean uses do not conflict at a given time or location.
If you are staging your event at a county park, please contact that county's Division of Parks and Recreation.
Q: Is scattering of ashes on land permitted?
A: Generally speaking, no environmental permit is required for scattering of cremated ashes on land, sea or from the air from the Department of Health, but this should be done discreetly and some distance away from the general public. Ashes may not be dispersed within a state forest reserve or watershed area, nor on state or federal property. Scattering on private property should be done with permission of the owner. For information call the Department of Health, Current Registration Section, at 586-4540.
Q: What about problems with stray, nuisance or injured domestic animals?
A: Lost pets - Hawaiian Humane Society, 946-2187, ext. 285. Call immediately if your pet is missing. Also call if you've found an animal, since frantic owners check daily for any news of their missing pets.
Animal rescues, cruelty investigations, stray animal pickup and cat traps for feral or trespassing felines: Hawaiian Human Society, 946-2187, ext. 280.
Pet euthanasia - Your veterinarian can provide this service, or call the Hawaiian Humane Society , 946-2187, ext. 285, to humanely end the suffering of injured, sick or aged pets for a $30 fee.
Dead animal pickup - City and County of Honolulu; see area listings for Bulky Item and Dead animal pickup on page 33 of the white pages in the phone book.
Q: What about problems with wild animals?
A: Alien species pickup (such as snakes, lizards, alligators, etc.) - State Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Division, 586-7387.
Feral pigs - State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 587-0166.
Game animals, wild fowl - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 541-1201
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