Department of Land and Natural Resources

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the opening of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, O‘ahu, to fishing for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2014, and ending Dec.31, 2014. 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.

HONOLULU -- A Waipahu fisherman was charged and sentenced at Waianae District Court on Nov. 25, 2013, for violating Hawaii Administrative Rule (H.A.R.) 13-95-22(a) that prohibits the take or possession of any ulua less than 10 inches in length. Lionel Tunac, 52, pled guilty to the charge and was fined $250. This violation is a petty misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reminds the fishing public that the season for ‘ama‘ama (striped mullet) will be closed from Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, through Monday, March 31, 2014.

HONOLULU -- A Honolulu fisherman pled guilty on November 8, 2013 to an illegal throw net fishing violation in Honolulu District Court and was sentenced to a $750 fine.

Kevin R. De Canto, age 50, was cited by a Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer on Oct. 16, 2013 on the shoreline fronting 2255 Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, for violating Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) 13-75-10(a) regarding use of throw nets.

"These proposed rules were developed over several years through consultation with the public, and have been guided by the best available science,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. "Effective resource management requires public involvement and the department is committed to gathering and considering all public testimony,” Aila said.

WAIANAE, Hawaii – Two thrill craft operators were sentenced this month to a $300 fine each and a 30-day prohibition on operating any jet ski in state waters, after being cited for operating jet skis without possessing required certifications and navigation lights.

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the opening of akule fishing for Waimea Bay Ocean Waters from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013.

“Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) prohibits the take of marine resources, with the exception of the Waimea Bay portion of the MLCD. The Waimea Bay portion allows for poll and line fishing year round, as well as take of akule using net fishing methods during November and December,” explained BLNR Chairperson, William J. Aila, Jr. “These two months of the year provide fishers access to traditional akule fishing grounds. This period, along with the opelu period from August to September, provides access to the traditional net fishing grounds while conserving the marine resources within the rest of the MLCD.”

DLNR proposes to repair approximately 100 feet of a severely eroded section in the streambank of the Hanalei River. The breach is located approximately 5 river miles upstream of the river mouth. Engineering improvements to repair the stream bank will reduce future erosion and reduce chances for breaching during future flood events.

“The public can help prevent damage to our coral reefs and waste of marine life in our ocean environment by reporting abandoned nets or entangled marine life to DOCARE at 643-DLNR. Fishers can also help by registering and tagging their lay nets and following state soak time and checking time rules,” urged William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

On August 29, 2013, Perry D. Rauch was charged and sentenced at Wahiawa District Court for violating Hawaii Administrative Rule (H.A.R.) 13-256-63(b)(1) that prohibits motorized vessels within Waimea Bay ocean waters, specifically within 1,837 feet from the shoreline. The judgment imposed fines and court fees total $855 and 6 months probation. Violator must remain arrest and conviction free for duration of the probation period.