Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Environmental Court: Hopes for Stricter Law Enforcement, Fears of Improper Influence
Twenty-two Hawaii judges will devote time each month to hearing environmental cases, which may make rulings more predictable for all sides.
USFWS Pacific/Flickr
Feds Need to Move Forward With Critical Habitat Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal
NOAA needs to act now to classify most of Hawaii’s coastal areas as essential habitat for the endangered monk seal or risk losing an iconic species.
Wikimedia Commons
DLNR Rules Linger in Governor’s Office
Hawaii Gov. David Ige has yet to sign off on aquarium fishing rules and commercial fishing restrictions off Kauai.
Flickr.com
NOAA Upholds Hawaii’s Ban on Shark Finning
The agency finds that the law will have a “minimal impact” on federally managed fishermen in the islands.
Courtesy of "Mike" Michael L. Baird via Flickr
Navy War Games in the Pacific Violate Law Protecting Marine Mammals
A federal agency violated the law when it approved Navy training operations off Hawaii and California, judge says.
Thousands Testify on Bills to Restrict Aquarium Fishing in Hawaii
Business and environmental interests collide in the Capitol during a marathon hearing.
New Tracking System Keeps an Eye on Commercial Fishing Fleets
Will fishermen stray into the recently protected Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument? Activists will be watching.
Bigeye Tuna Remains on Hawaii’s Menu — But for How Long?
There’s been a lot of talk among power players about dangerously declining fish stocks in the Pacific, but action has been unsubstantial.
Civil Beat
Waikiki-Diamond Head Fishing Area Closed for a Year
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says it will help fish populations replenish themselves.
Federal Fisheries Group Uses Public Money to Lobby Against Protecting Fish
Wespac officials produced a glossy brochure and lobbied in D.C., and it came at a price.