Aquatic Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release December 11, 2013 MALE, 29, BIT BY SHARK WHILE AT ...
Read More 12/11/13 – Male 29, Bit By Shark While At Punaluu Beach Park, Hawaii

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold statewide public hearings to amend Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) relating to stony coral and live rock. The proposed amendments would clarify what activities constitute "damage" to stony coral and live rock, and establish a formula for calculating administrative penalties for such violations.

MAKENA -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is closing the nearshore waters of Makena State Park today, as of 12 noon, due to a report of a large shark exhibiting aggressive behavior which chased two spear fishermen out of the water. The area closed is from Ahihi Bay to Makena Landing, a mile in either direction from the location of the report.

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.

"We are not sure why these bites are occurring more frequently than normal, especially around Maui. That’s why we are conducting a two-year study of shark behavior around Maui that may give us better insights,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson. “It is our hope and expectation that numbers of incidents will return to a more normal range in the near future.”

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.

NOTICE: The DAR office will be CLOSED on December 3-5, 2013 Fishing licenses will not be issued during this time. To report resource violations please call (808) 643-3567 To report ...
Read More NOTICE: The DAR office will be CLOSED on December 3-5, 2013

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.