From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider strengthening fishery regulations in waters off the Big Island’s western coast when it meets on Friday.

The board is scheduled to discuss and vote on several proposed rules, including ones that would that would ban spearfishing by fishermen diving with the aid of scuba gear and limit aquarium fish collecting to a list of 40 species.

Department staffers say the measures would allow officials to more effectively regulate and manage marine resources.

But several fishermen are objecting, saying a scuba spearfishing prohibition is unwarranted and could lead to similar bans elsewhere in the state. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Kauai GMO bill clears first reading

More air monitors for Puna Geothermal Venture

Bacteria on Maui beaches low, says report

Kihei mall developers given until end of year to change plans

Big Isle “stakeholders” task force yet to get on task

Bill spiking dog license fees moves forward

East Maui animal refuge named in PETA lawsuit against

Courtesy SteveD.

—Chad Blair