Proposed changes to state rules on bottomfishing will be the topic of a series of statewide public information meetings sponsored by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources starting next week.

"These proposed changes are needed to address the current determination that overfishing is occurring for bottomfish species in the main Hawaiian Islands," DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen said in a written statement.

The department wants to amend Hawai'i Administrative Rule Chapter 13-74, License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish and Fish Products, to require noncommercial bottomfish registration, reporting and compliance, and commercial bottomfish licensees to report by trip.

The department also proposes to amend Chapter 13-94 to authorize fishing season closures for bottomfish; require noncommercial bottomfish registration, reporting and compliance; exempt the possession and sale of bottomfish during closed season for fish from federal waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, or from waters under federal jurisdiction, or for bottomfish that are imported into the state; amend the bag limit for noncommercial take of bottomfish; add definitions; allow the possession of Kona crab nets on bottomfishing vessels; and repeal a requirement for restricted fishing area evaluation.

For more information on the proposed rule changes, updates to meeting times and locations, and a rule summary, go to the Division of Aquatic Resources' Web site at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

Here is the schedule of public meetings: