LIHUE >> The state Department of Land Natural Resources is inviting fishermen and others who gather food from the ocean near Kauai and Niihau to a talk story meeting this weekend. 

Department Director William Aila says the meeting will help Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary managers better understand how measures considered for the sanctuary might affect fishermen and ocean gatherers. 

The department is inviting those who fish and gather at Niihau, Lehua Rock, Kaula, and the Na Pali Coast to come to the session on Saturday morning at Lihue’s King Kaumualii Elementary School.

Aila says he looks forward to talking with fishermen and gathers and hearing their ideas and concerns.

The sanctuary’s Lihue office will offer those unable to attend maps and instructions for providing input.