For Immediate News Release: December 31, 2020

DLNR COMPLETES PARALLEL REVIEW OF MAUNA KEA COMPREHENSIVE  MANAGEMENT PLAN 

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(Honolulu) – DLNR has completed its independent review of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan implementation by the University of Hawai‘i (UH). 

Over the past seven months, the review was conducted independently for DLNR by Kuiʻwalu Consulting, to provide DLNR and the Board of Land and Natural Resources relevant information as to whether Mauna Kea is being effectively managed.   

Noting the contentious context of Mauna Kea in recent years, Kuʻiwalu sought extensive public and stakeholder input through multiple venues on various aspects of the comprehensive management plan’s implementation. 

The independent evaluation found that the UH Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM) has made progress in implementing most of the Comprehensive Management Plan’s management actions, and it appears that OMKM has been effective at managing natural and cultural resources on Mauna Kea.  The report noted, “We heard many comments that the cultural and natural resources on the state conservation lands on Mauna Kea are some of the best managed and protected lands in the entire State.  The area is clear of trash, the invasive species are being removed not only by OMKM but volunteer groups, and the OMKM Rangers to ensure public safety on Mauna Kea.” 

At the same time, the independent evaluation also found that OMKM has not effectively implemented the Comprehensive Management Plan in three major process areas:  (1) untimely adoption of administrative rules to manage public access and regulate commercial activities; (2) inadequate consultation with members of the Native Hawaiian community, both those who oppose and support UH’s management of Mauna Kea, on matters related to cultural and resources issues; and (3) ineffective engagement with the community, in particular, members of the Native Hawaiian community, on education and outreach efforts, including decision-making processes related to the management of Mauna Kea. 

“We deeply appreciate the thorough and transparent work of Dawn Chang and the Kuʻiwalu  Project team on this challenging topic, and we especially appreciate all of the more than 500 people who opted to participate in the process to make sure we heard multiple voices and points of view,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case. 

“The results show overall solid management by UH on the protection of the mountain’s natural and cultural resources,” Case commented, “but lacking in the equally important work of relationship building and meaningful inclusion of many people who care deeply about the mauna.  This work will certainly help DLNR and the Board of Land and Natural Resources better understand and oversee management of Mauna Kea.” 

Chair Case noted that the independent evaluation is not a report on the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). UH leases approximately 11,000 acres of State lands on Mauna Kea, of which 525 acres is in the Astronomy Precinct and 10,700 acres are designated as Natural/Cultural Preservation Area. The Comprehensive Management Plan covers all of the UH leased land and was approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in 2009.  

The Independent Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan can be found on DLNR’s website at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/maunakea-management/https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/maunakea-management/ 

 and on the Project website at Mauna Kea – Comprehensive Management Plan (evaluatethecmp.com).  A number of background documents are also contained on both websites, and will be maintained on the Project website through January 31, 2021. After that date the documents will be moved to DLNR’s website for public reference. 

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Media Contact: 

Dan Dennison 
Senior Communications Manager 
(808) 587-0396 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For Immediate News Release: January 2, 2021

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER APPARENT SHARK INCIDENT ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND

For Immediate News Release: January 5, 2021

WAILOA RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA OCCUPIERS GIVEN CEASE & DESIST ORDER

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(HILO) – A group of people who have illegally taken over a portion of Wailoa River State Recreation Area were notified this morning to cease and desist by 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 6).

Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) taped one order on a sign the group had put up at the park’s entrance. Another was presented to the group’s leader and another was posted in a small encampment.

The group has planted between 50 and 60 taro plants and banana trees across a football-sized field in the popular and widely used State park. The participants are claiming jurisdiction over the park. They don’t have any permits for planting or for erecting signs at Wailoa.

Today a man sat at the park’s entrance drumming. Another person was mowing grass around the fresh plantings.

Eight years ago, the man leading the group was cited after similar illegal activities at Wailoa. DOCARE is working closely with the DLNR Division of State Parks to return the area to public usage.

DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla said, “No matter their professed claims of ownership, this  recreation area and all other State Parks belong to all of Hawai‘i for the enjoyment by residents and visitors. Park users have expressed concerns that members of this group are ignoring County and State mandates to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Today about a dozen people appeared to be part of the group. Last weekend, media reports indicate the number had swelled to 75 or more.

The Cease and Desist order requires the group to remove tents and other camping gear or the materials will be considered abandoned property.

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Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0396
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.