What's Being Discussed

The Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council, overseen by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, is holding its regular meeting on September 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Key topics include:

• Kāneʻohe Bay Master Plan update — progress report on long-term planning for the bay
• Makai Watch Program — updates on community-based ocean monitoring and outreach
• Ahu O Laka sandbar — report from an August community meeting about recreational use problems and possible solutions
• Invasive majano anemone outbreak — update on the spread of this invasive species and efforts to control it
• Navy aircraft reef damage — update on reef harm caused by the grounding of a Navy P-8A aircraft in Kāneʻohe Bay
• Statewide aquarium fish harvest ban — update on efforts to pursue a formal rule banning commercial aquarium collection across Hawaii

Decisions Expected

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 3, 2026 and July 8, 2026
• Possible adoption of a new process for nominating and selecting the Council Chairperson
• Setting the date and time for the next council meeting

Who Should Pay Attention

• Kāneʻohe Bay residents and ocean users concerned about reef health and water quality
• Boaters and visitors who use the Ahu O Laka sandbar area
• Fishers, divers, and conservationists interested in aquarium harvest regulations
• Anyone concerned about invasive species or military impacts on local reefs

The public can attend in person at Windward Community College (Hale Naʻauao, Rm 125), join via Zoom, or submit written testimony by email to DLNR.aquatics@hawaii.gov.