Division of Aquatic Resources

The Division of Aquatic Resources would like to express a heartfelt mahalo to Fisheries Technician Mark Sueyasu for 28 years of service to the people of Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Nei through his stewardship of the Kōkeʻe trout program. Mark and his dedicated crew of volunteers have raised nearly 2 million rainbow trout over the decades for the community to enjoy catching and eating. Mark was born and raised in Waimea, Kauaʻi and has been an avid fisher and hunter his entire life. He started out as a volunteer with the trout program after leaving the Navy, and then took over when the previous technician retired. Mark is also the state record holder for rainbow trout with a 5lb 10oz whopper he caught more than 30 years ago in Kawaikoi stream. Mark always viewed his work as a community service, an annual tradition that the whole family can enjoy. The Kōkeʻe trout program is over 100 years old, and last year more than 3000 anglers enjoyed catching nearly 20,000 trout that were stocked and expertly raised by Mark.

He leaves big shoes to fill, but DAR’s new trout technician, Garrick Tatsuda is ready to take on the challenge. Garrick is a self-described “trout fanatic” and has fished for trout all over the US and even into the most remote areas of Kauai where the remnants of the previously stocked trout still linger. Garrick also shares Mark’s perspective on the purpose of the trout program “It’s all for the kids, to get them excited and into fishing”.  

Mahalo Mark! Best wishes on your well earned retirement!

Fisheries technician Garrick Tatsuda

For more history and information about the trout program, see our article in the April 2022 issue of Hawaii Fishing News.