Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release December 4, 2013

WAIPAHU FISHERMAN SENTENCED FOR TAKING UNDERSIZED ULUA
IN KALAELOA DEEP DRAFT HARBOR

HONOLULU — A Waipahu fisherman was charged and sentenced at Waianae District Court on Nov. 25, 2013, for violating Hawaii Administrative Rule (H.A.R.) 13-95-22(a) that prohibits the take or possession of any ulua less than 10 inches in length. Lionel Tunac, 52, pled guilty to the charge and was fined $250. This violation is a petty misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.

Tunac was cited on Oct. 11, 2013 by Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) for taking and possessing undersized ulua (papio) from ocean waters at Kalaeloa Deep Draft Harbor. At the time, an anonymous caller reported an unknown male catching undersized fish along the coral shoreline surrounding the Harbor. DOCARE responded to the scene and observed the man fishing and in possession of three undersized ulua.

“Taking undersized ulua presents a threat to Hawaii’s near shore fisheries. DOCARE continues to patrol ocean waters and shorelines to ensure compliance with fishing regulations,” said Randy Awo, DOCARE Chief.

For more information on fishing regulations, please refer to DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources’ website located at https://state.hi.us/dlnr/dar.

To report potential conservation violations, call 643-DLNR.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320