Ian C. Hirokawa

The agenda encompasses a wide range of administrative and resource management actions. Key topics include land acquisitions and conservation grants, delegation of authority for emergency evacuation projects involving rare native invertebrates, and the rescission of prior board actions concerning abandoned government roadways. The Board will review numerous lease and permit matters, including the issuance of revocable permits, right-of-entry permits for commercial and recreational use, and consent to assign various general leases. Additionally, the Board will address multiple federally and state-funded project agreements related to aquatic resource research and monitoring, and the appointment of administrative hearing officers for the civil resource violations system.

The board discussed and took action on various items, including the approval of adaptive management measures for game mammal and bird hunting, the establishment of a firearms policy for the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the authorization of public hearings for proposed rule amendments concerning indigenous and endangered wildlife. Additionally, the board issued a right-of-entry permit for church services on Oahu, approved an amendment to a general lease for affordable rental housing on Maui, and deliberated on several settlement agreements related to conservation district contested cases involving property fences and alleged violations on state land. A time extension for an emergency conservation district use permit for shoreline protection was also addressed, and an executive session was held regarding legal proceedings.

The Board meeting focused on three primary action items. First, the approval of temporary adaptive management measures for game management areas to address wildlife overpopulation and mitigate hazards. Second, an update to the division's firearms policy specifically for animal control purposes. Third, a request to initiate public hearings to amend wildlife rules regarding the protection of indigenous species, regulation of injurious wildlife, and prohibited acts on department lands such as feeding wildlife and abandonment of animals.

The meeting agenda includes multiple action items such as selecting a consultant for the Statewide Recycled Water Implementation Study and establishing joint funding agreements with the U.S. Geological Survey for groundwater flow analysis and multi-year hydrologic data collection. The Commission will also review a stream channel alteration permit for a bridge rehabilitation project in Maui, consider a contract for a senior stream technician, and evaluate compliance by Maui Land & Pineapple Company regarding diversion modifications. Informational briefings will address East Maui diversion modifications, the FY27 budget, and final legislative outcomes concerning the State Water Code, rainwater catchment systems, and state funds. The meeting will conclude with announcements regarding water use permit processing and recognition of outgoing and incoming commissioners.

The commission reviewed infrastructure improvements to stream diversions, focusing on remotely operated gates and technological advancements that allow for better control and stream protection. Discussions also included the implementation of USGS gauging, the resolution of previous compliance issues, and the need for flexibility in the system to accommodate future project requirements.