More than 60 people waved signs and fishing poles in front of the state Capitol yesterday to protest proposed state rule changes for fishing and boating, especially restrictions on overnight camping on Kapapa Island in Käne'ohe Bay and other wildlife sanctuary areas.

The protesters said they want to protect traditional fishing practices and they fear their rights will be eroded by proposed restrictions on camping and new or increased entry, permit and mooring fees.

The issue that appeared to galvanize most of the protesters was a feared ban on overnight camping by people who like to fish at night, especially on Kapapa Island.

In response, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it was on record as willing to allow overnight camping if it were part of "a community stewardship partnership."

Janet Mandrell, a Waikíkí boater, said she feared that pier and mooring fee increases would place an unfair burden on small recreational and commercial boaters.

Jeanie Li, a UH student who described herself as a "serious fisherwoman" said she thought the plan would limit access for campers and at the same time attempt to generate revenue by allowing more commercial activities such as kayaker tours.

Most people interviewed said they believed any entry fees or parking fees at state parks or increases in camping or boating fees would only lead to more increases later and make it harder for local people to enjoy Hawai'i's natural bounty. They also said they thought the DLNR process was unfair despite statewide public hearings.

Many passing motorists blared their horns in support as the protesters waved signs that said "Fishing is a Right" and "Honk if You Love Fishing."

Käne'ohe fishing partners Leslie Yamashita and Alan Cody said they felt that their traditional fishing rights were being threatened.

"I feel like we have to protect what we have before we lose it all," Cody said. "It's being taken away piece by piece."

Yamashita said her family had been fishing on the Windward side for five generations.

"I'm afraid my kids won't be able to fish someday," she said.

Faced with budget problems like so many government agencies during hard times, the DLNR wants to raise $12 million annually from land leases under its "Recreational Renaissance Plan B."

The agency wants to raise another $8 million annually through new or increased fees for parking, camping, boating and other activities. The DLNR has been holding public hearings across the state on its "Back to Basics" proposal.

If its proposals are approved, the DLNR says it could generate millions of dollars in new, non-taxpayer revenue to support routine and scheduled repair, maintenance, and improved operations in state parks, harbors, hiking trails, boat ramps, moorings and piers.

The proposal would include parking fees for tourists at eight parks that attract a high number of tourists.

In response to the protest and concerns about over- night stays on Kapapa, DLNR Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen issued a statement yesterday that said the board had been receiving public input at meetings all over the state and is on record as offering "to consider requests for overnight access, provided that the activities were part of a community stewardship partnership. We are hoping to work out an agreement that would engage the public, encourage responsible use, and provide a process to evaluate and issue special use permits for overnight access."