Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release December 24, 2014     

 

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the closing of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, O‘ahu, to fishing for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and ending Dec.31, 2015. 

The Fisheries Management Area encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards. 

 “Periodically closing areas to fishing was a practice used by early Hawaiians; it helped fish populations replenish themselves,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “We use a variation of that at Waikiki-Diamond Head for the same purpose. Closed years give fish a break from fishing pressure, and allow their populations to increase. Fishing experiences are then improved during open years.” 

The fisheries management area encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, and from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards (or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards).   

The FMA is regulated by the department’s administrative rule, Chapter 13-48. It is prohibited to fish for, take or injure any marine life (including eggs) or to possess in the water any fishing gear during the “closed to fishing” period. 

Fishing is also not allowed at any time in the adjoining Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) between the ‘Ewa edge of the Natatorium and the ‘Ewa edge of the Kapahulu groin (seawall). 

Anyone who violates the provisions of this rule may be guilty of a petty misdemeanor, and /or subject to an administrative fine. 

Copies of the administrative rule, Chapter 13-48, are available at the Division of Aquatic Resources office, 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330; in the Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet (available at most sporting goods stores); or on the DLNR website:  www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar. 

 

Media Contact: 
Deborah Ward 
Public Information Specialist 
(808) 587-0320