Department of Land and Natural Resources

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.”

“We appreciate the focused efforts and cooperation of our partner agencies and staff to ensure public safety, and to quickly remove this marine hazard from Kaneohe Bay,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

To report a floating whale or any marine mammal incident, call USCG channel 16 or the NOAA marine mammal hotline at: 1-888-256-9840.

The proposed amendments would prohibit the use of stand-up paddleboards in the Waiakea Public Fishing Area, limit boat fishing to only when the boat is anchored, and prohibit the possession or use of any net within the public fishing area. “These changes will help to maintain the focus on active pole and line fishing for which this area was designated,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

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.

“Enforcement of laynet use is crucial in DLNR’s mission to ensure the sustainability of marine resources through compliance with state rules in Hawaiian waters, and to ensure that endangered species are not harmed,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

"Successful resource management requires participation from the public and we want them to know exactly what is being proposed and how they can get involved in the rule making process," explained Frazer McGilvray, Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources.

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.

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