Division of Aquatic Resources

A new Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) for Miloli‘i, decades in the making, is now a reality. The Miloli‘i CBSFA was established to sustainably support the consumptive needs of communities along the southwest coast of the Big Island while recognizing and protecting customary and traditional native Hawaiian fishing practices. It creates four pu‘uhonua (shelters) to reduce fishing pressure in those areas while allowing for sustainable harvest. It also establishes a rest area for preservation and protection of pāku‘iku‘i (Achilles tang), an “ocean classroom” (Puakai‘a Miloli‘i) where spearing and lay nets are restricted, and an ‘Ōpelu Traditional Management Zone where local ‘ōpelu stocks are maintained according to traditional practices.

The administrative rule establishing the CBSFA was approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources at its June 9, 2022 meeting, then sent to the governor for his signature. As a sign of respect for the Miloli‘i community and all the hard work they put into development of the rules package, Gov. Ige chose to have a signing ceremony in Miloli‘i on August 2. The rule was then filed with the Lt. Governor’s office August 3, and according to law became effective ten days later, on Saturday, August 13.

View the Miloli‘i CBSFA regulations.
Link to news release.
For more information on the Miloliʻi community’s efforts, please visit the Kalanihale website.