BLNR takes urgent measures to protect endangered species following monk seal birth on Mokulua

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Board of Land and Natural Resources has taken urgent action to protect threatened and endangered species by implementing temporary closures, approved on Friday.

The board approved the temporary closure of the Mokulua Islets, a popular destination for kayaking and paddleboarding, off O‘ahu’s windward coast and authorized the chair to temporarily shut down or limit access to wildlife sanctuaries across the state as needed. A request made in 2011 was not approved by BLNR.

In June, a monk seal birth occurred on the Mokulua Islets. The limited space on the beach cannot support both seal pupping and human access, DLNR says.

With the new approved delegations, DLNR can take action to protect endangered species and the public without going through a land board meeting.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is required to follow up to seek timely approval from the BLNR for further closures of any wildlife sanctuary after the initial closure issued.

Touching or harassing monk seals is prohibited by state and federal law.