DOCARE

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.

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.”

Game bird hunting opportunities are offered on the six major islands in the State of Hawaii: (Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the big island of Hawaii). Each of these islands has one or more State-designated public hunting areas (called Hunting Units), which are open for hunting at certain times during each year. Game bird hunting opportunities may also be available on private lands as well.

DLNR wildlife biologists are predicting an “average” season of bird hunting, with the easing of drought conditions in many parts of the state. A December 31, 2007 appellate court ruling determined that no game bird stamp sales are allowed for hunting. A valid hunting license only is required for all game bird hunting on public and private lands. All game bird hunting is regulated by Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 13, Chapter 122 (see https://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw “Administrative Rules”).

Applications for all hunts may be submitted in-person or mailed, to the Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife Office, 54 S. High St., Rm 101, Wailuku, HI 96793. Lanai residents only are to mail or deliver their applications to the Lanai DOFAW Office at 917 Fraser Ave., P.O. Box 630661, Lanai City, HI 96763. The DEADLINE for submitting applications will be 4:00 p.m on Friday December 6, 2013. Interested hunters are encouraged to submit applications well before the application deadline to insure proper processing.

“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.

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.