Division of Aquatic Resources

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) and community partners are working to complete the final steps in preparation to re-open the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve on Hawaiʻi Island by fall or winter of 2026. The Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve, a culmination of decades of work and stewardship through community-led efforts, was established to address rapidly declining coral and fish populations. To allow for recovery and replenishment along a 3.6-mile stretch of the Ka‘ūpūlehu coastline, extending out from the shoreline to a depth of 120 feet, all harvesting of marine life has been restricted since 2016. Although the reserve was eligible to reopen as early as July 2026, community partners in collaboration with DAR have determined additional time is needed to finalize the Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan, develop implementation strategies and complete a co-management agreement.

For the past decade, the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee (KMLAC), comprised of kūpuna from the area and various stakeholder groups, and Hui Kahuwai, the non-profit stewardship group formed by KMLAC, have been working diligently in collaboration with DAR and other partners to create a Fisheries Management Plan that would support sustainable harvesting.

Since the Reserve has been established, results from biological monitoring surveys have shown significant increases in resource fish (fish targeted for food) biomass, up to ~200% in certain areas. More information about monitoring and data analysis can be viewed HERE. To protect and preserve the gains of this “Try Wait” period, it is vital to assure that the appropriate time and space is given for strategizing, determining best management approaches, and implementing the new plan.

The current harvest closure will remain in effect until the Board of Land and Natural Resources adopts the proposed Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Area rules, anticipated to take effect later this year.

For more details, read the full DLNR News Release 

The most recent submittal to the Board of Land and Natural Resources can be viewed online at:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/meetings/blnr-meetings-2026/land-board-submittals-02-27-26/

For more information and to view the current draft Fisheries Management Plan, please visit: https://www.trywait.info/

To learn more about the “Try Wait” rest period and why it is important, read Hui Kahuwai’s blog at:
https://www.huikahuwai.org/blog/why-we-wait

 

Photo Credit: Kaikea Nakachi of Hui Kahuwai