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Land department proposes rule changes at forest reserves

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has proposed changes to rules regulating activity in the state’s forest reserves.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Saturday that the department says the last comparable rules update was done in 1993.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife says the changes, which would impact 1,060 square miles (2,745 square kilometers) statewide and 740 square miles (1,915 square kilometers) on the Big Island, are needed to address new technologies, such as drones, and to provide more options for enforcement.

Major proposed changes are establishing parking fees in high use and developed recreational areas, authorizing sustainable forestry or ecotourism with a permit and requiring permits for use of drones.

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