Aquarium permits need EIS

HONOLULU — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has ruled the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council needs to do more in-depth research before issuing any commercial aquarium permits on Hawaii Island and Oahu, according to a Thursday DLNR news release.

PIJAC submitted a final environmental assessment for two separate projects to DLNR — issuance of commercial aquarium permits on Hawaii Island and on Oahu, covering near-shore regions except areas already designated as no-collection sites such as Marine Life Conservation Districts and Fish Replenishment Areas.

“Based on the significance criteria outlined in Title 11, Chapter 200, Hawaii Administrative Rules, we have determined that the project may have a significant impact on the environment and therefore the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is required,” DLNR said in two letters, each addressing a specific project.