Division of Aquatic Resources

In response to rapidly declining pāku‘iku‘i (Achilles Tang) population size along the west coast of the island of Hawai‘i, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will request findings and approval from the BLNR, at its meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022, for timely adoption of adaptive management rules temporarily establishing a new chapter under HAR as Title 13, Chapter 60.41, “West Hawai’i Pāku‘iku‘i Replenishment.”

The rules would prohibit the take or possession of pāku‘iku‘i within the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery Management Area, Hawai‘i, which is defined in HAR §13-60.4-2(a) as the area “bounded by the west coast of Hawai‘i Island, from Ka Lae, Ka‘ū (South Point) to ‘Upolu Point, North Kohala, and extending from the upper reaches of the wash of the waves on shore, seaward to the limit of the State’s police power and management authority,” to allow for replenishment of the fish population in the area, which is currently badly depleted due to overfishing.

The rules also identify authorized administrative penalties for violations of HAR chapter 13-60.41 to underscore the seriousness of management measures necessary to protect the resource. Pursuant to HRS §187A-5(b)(3), upon adoption of the rules by the BLNR, they will be effective for two years, subject to legislative approval and renewal by the BLNR; provided that renewal by the BLNR shall extend for up to one year at a time.

The Board will decide whether to adopt the adaptive management rules at its meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022.

Download the draft rule.