Division of Aquatic Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the opening of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area, O‘ahu, to fishing for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2014, and ending Dec.31, 2014.

The Fisheries Management Area encompasses the nearshore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

“The stretch of shoreline and nearshore waters between the Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse are very popular for fishing and other recreation among residents and visitors,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “The fishing public is reminded that non-fishers frequent and use the area, too. We urge them to use caution while fishing, to keep swimmers, surfers and others safe.

“Similarly, we remind the non-fishing public to be mindful that fishers will be present. These nearshore waters are a traditional fishing area, and have been managed for public fishing since 1978. Fishers have a right to enjoy their activity as well,” Aila said.

Fishing is not allowed in the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, between the ‘Ewa edge of the Natatorium and the ‘Ewa edge of the Kapahulu groin (jetty).

Permitted fishing methods include pole-and-line, thrownet, spear (daylight hours only), and hand harvest. Anyone who violates the provisions of this rule shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided by law.

Copies of the administrative rule, Chapter 13-48, are available at the Division of Aquatic Resources office, 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 330, in the Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet (available at most sporting goods stores), or on the DAR website: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

Background info:

The chapter referenced in the press release is available at: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/admin_rules.html
Chapter 48 is available directly at this link: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/rules/ch48.pdf

This is the only marine area in Hawai‘i that has a cyclical one-year open and one-year closed management regime. The purpose is to restore reef fish stocks. This specific area was chosen in part because of its easily identifiable boundaries.

Beginning in 1979, this area and what is now the adjacent MLCD were on a cycle where the area was closed completely one year, the next year there were limited take activities, and during the 3rd and 4th years the area was open to fishing. The cycle would then repeat.

In 1988, the Waikiki MLCD was established, which provided one section of the experimental area with permanent closure for ecosystem management and to allow fish stocks to recover (see HAR 13-36). The remaining portion that did not become an MLCD went on a one-year open/closed cycle that continues today.

View the original press release at:  dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2013/12/31/nr13-181