Department of Land and Natural Resources

For Immediate News Release: October 6, 2021

MAUI MEN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL TAKE AND POSSESSION OF A SEA TURTLE 

(KAHULUI) – Two Maui residents, a father and his son, are charged with the take and possession of a green sea turtle, a protected species, after being spotted by a DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer on routine patrol. 

On Sunday at 6:50 a.m. the officer reported seeing the men retrieving a lobster net from a shoreline area known as Round Tables in the Waiehu area of Maui’s north shore. 

The officer contacted the men and found a dead turtle entangled in fishing net. It had been placed in a metal tub which was attached to an inner tube. The turtle and all the physical items involved were taken as evidence and NOAA was informed of the incident. 

57-year-old Randall Del Castillo Sr. and 33-year-old Randall Del Castillo Jr. both of Wailuku were cited for the take and possession of a green sea turtle, which is a prohibited activity under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules. Both men have court dates amended to Nov. 18, in Maui District Court. 

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Media contact: 

Dan Dennison 
Senior Communications Manager 
(808) 587-0396 
[email protected]