The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold public hearings statewide, beginning Thursday, on proposed amendments to state administrative rules regarding shoreline certifications.

Currently, the definition of "shoreline" under the Board of Land and Natural Resources shoreline certification rules differs from that of the definition under Chapter 205A-1 of the Hawai'i Revised Statutes.

The land board recently approved a change so the rule would mirror the law.

"There needs to be consistency not only in the definition of 'shoreline,' but also in the on-site practice of evaluating all evidence in determining the certified shore," DLNR chairman Peter Young said.

"The proposed rules amendment will result in consistent language between the statute and rule."

Hearings will begin at 6 p.m. on these dates, at these locations:

Kaua'i: Thursday at State Office Building, 3060 Eiwa St., Lihu'e.

Maui: March 16 at the Santos Community Center, Main Hall, 395 Waena Place, Wailuku.

Hilo: March 23 at the State Office Building, 75 Aupuni St.

Kona: March 30 at the Kealakehe High School auditorium, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St.

Honolulu: April 6 at the Kalanimoku State Office Building, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 132.