DAR Announcements

Announcements

Link to DAR Public Notices and Draft Rules.
Link to official DLNR News Releases.

• DLNR to conduct public meetings on changes to bottomfish rules

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces the holding of public informational meetings to discuss proposed changes to administrative rules on bottomfish management (chapter 13-94) and licenses and permits (chapter 13-74). These proposed changes are needed to address the current determination that overfishing is occurring for bottomfish species in the main Hawaiian Islands. (See draft rules.)

The following meeting dates, times, and locations have been scheduled:

O‘ahu:
November 27: Kapolei Middle School cafeteria, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
November 29: Windward Community College, Hale Akoakoa, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
December 6: Washington Intermediate School cafeteria, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Big Island:
December 3: Waiakea High School cafeteria, Hilo, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
December 4: Kealakehe High School cafeteria, Kona, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Lana‘i:
December 4: Lana‘i High School cafeteria, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Maui:
December 5: Lihikai School cafeteria, Kahului, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Moloka‘i:
December 6: Mitchell Pauole Conference Center conference room, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Kaua‘i:
December 13: Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Link to news release.

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• DLNR announces second opening for rainbow trout fishing on Kaua‘i

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces a second open fishing season for rainbow trout, limited to the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir in the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area, Kaua‘i, effective immediately (Sep 18, 2007). Anglers must have a valid State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license, may fish daily during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, and there is no daily bag limit. All other existing rules remain applicable. The fishing season will remain open until closed by the DLNR.

The Department is opening up a second season for rainbow trout fishing because of a break in the water distribution system which supplies water to Pu‘u Lua Reservoir, where DLNR manages the public fishing area under agreement with Agriculture Development Corporation. The break in the inflow system threatens the trout population in Pu‘u Lua reservoir, and the only remedy until water flow is restored is to have as many of the trout removed as possible. Anglers are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. The ADC will be making repairs in the near future.

A State of Hawai‘i freshwater game fishing license can be obtained at DLNR, from license agents, or purchased online. Anglers must fish will only one pole and line, or one line with one lure or one baited hook attached to one line. The use of treble hooks is prohibited. Anglers should be aware that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving to Pu‘u Lua Reservoir. All anglers are required to check in and out at the "check-in station" at Pu‘u Lua Reservoir.

For further information, call DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources on O‘ahu at 832-5009 or the Lihu‘e Aquatic Resources office at (808) 274-3345.

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• New lay net rules in effect statewide

Gov. Lingle has approved amendments to HAR Chap 13-75, restricting the use of lay nets and prohibiting their use in certain waters. The new rules are now in effect. Included are requirements for lay net registration, limits on dimensions and soak times, requirements for attendance and inspection, and prohibitions on use in streams and stream mouths. Lay net use is also prohibited around the entire island of Maui, and in certain waters off Oahu, including Kaneohe and Kailua Bays, and the south shore between Koko Head and Pearl Harbor. More details can be found by downloading the following pdf files:

HAR 13-75: Rules regulating the possession and use of certain fishing gear (3 MB)
Lay net rule summary sheet (84 KB)

News release links:
New Rules For Lay Gill Nets In Effect
DLNR Announces Procedure For Lay Net Fishers To Register Their Nets

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• New law prohibits taking of female lobsters and crabs

On May 4, 2006 Gov. Lingle signed into law Act 77, which prohibits the taking or killing of female ula (spiny lobsters), Kona crabs, and Samoan crabs. The law took effect the same day. Closed season for spiny lobsters and Kona crabs continues through the end of August, but there is no closed season for Samoan crabs. For information on how to tell the difference between males and females of these species, click here.

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• New law establishes ‘Ewa limu management area

On June 26, 2006 Gov. Lingle signed into law Act 293, which establishes an ‘Ewa limu management area, where taking of limu is prohibited. Here is the text of the new statute:

[§188-22.8] Limu management area. (a) There is established a limu management area from the shoreline and extending one hundred fifty feet seaward in Ewa beach from the gunnery range to the boat ramp on Muumuu street.

(b) No person, including a person with a commercial fishing license, shall pick, gather, harvest, or otherwise take limu from within the limu management area beginning no sooner than January 1, 2007; provided that this section shall not apply to a person who has obtained a special permit to pick limu for purposes of replanting.

(c) Beginning no sooner than January 1, 2010, a person, including a person with a commercial fishing license, may hand-pick limu in the limu management area from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., only during the months of July, November, and December of each year. A maximum of one pound for all types of limu combined may be hand-picked per day by any person, including any person possessing a commercial fishing license.

(d) This section shall not apply to any person exercising native Hawaiian gathering rights and traditional cultural practices as authorized by law or as permitted by the department of land and natural resources pursuant to Article XII, Section 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution.

(e) The department of land and natural resources shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section. [L 2006, c 293, §2]

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• Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA open to fishing January 1, 2008.

The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area is open to fishing for the calendar year 2008. This area is closed to fishing on alternate years to help restore fish populations.

Location: The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area extends from the ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium to the Diamond Head Lighthouse, from the highwater mark out to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the seaward edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

Fishing periods: "Open to fishing" from January 1 to December 31 of even-numbered years (2008, 2010, etc.).
"Closed to fishing" from January 1 to December 31 of odd-numbered years (2007, 2009, etc.).

Permitted
To fish for, take or possess any legal size marine life in season during the "open to fishing" period, provided that only hook-and-line, thrownet, handnet to land hooked fish, and spear fishing and hand harvesting methods are employed.
With a permit to engage in activities otherwise prohibited by law for scientific, propagation or other purposes.

Prohibited
To fish for, take or injure any marine life (including eggs), or to possess in the water any fishing gear during the "closed to fishing" period.
To use any spear between the hours of 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, or have or possess in the water any trap or net except thrownet or handnet to land hooked fish during the "open to fishing" period.

For a PDF copy of the administrative rule and illustrative map of the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA, please click here.

NOTE: The Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA is adjacent to the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District where fishing is prohibited. Please see the DAR Fishing Regulations page (click here) or the Marine Life Conservation District pages for more information.

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