HONOLULU -- For the first time, rules will be enforced to protect hundreds of vulnerable seabirds at Windward Oahu's Kapapa Island.

A public hearing was held at Jefferson Elementary Monday night.

Representatives from the Department of Land and Natural Resources shared how they plan to respond to damage on Kapapa Island. Just last month, KITV reported on how fisherman, campers and others using the island were endangering seabirds that nest there.

"So we have areas that are really wildlife sanctuaries by law, but they're not covered by the sanctuary rule, and therefore there's no rules," said David Smith, with the Division of Wildlife and Forestry. "Kapapa is one of the areas that falls into that category. We plan to add Kapapa and some other wildlife sanctuaries into the rule so that we are able to manage it."

The DLNR hopes to present a final proposal to the board by the beginning of next year.