The Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a news release that the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement cited nine men for illegally fishing in the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.
On Saturday around 9 p.m., DOCARE officers noticed dive lights in the conservation district on Oahu’s north shore. An hour and a half later, the DOCARE officers approached nine men as they emerged from the water at the east end of Waimea Bay Beach Park. According to the officers, all the men had on them three-pronged spears, dive fins, snorkel masks and underwater lights.
“After further investigation, our officers found the suspects had more than 150 fish of various species in their possession, including regulated species of Manini, Kala, Uhu, and Weke,” DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla said.
Hawaii has 11 Marine Life Conservation Districts, including Pupukea, which restricts the taking of marine resources. The Pupukea MLCD was created in 1979.
The DOCARE officers cited the nine men, who all have Honolulu addresses, for prohibited activity violations which carry petty misdemeanor penalties up to 30 days of imprisonment or a fine.
“Protecting our marine life conservation districts for the enjoyment of future generations is essential. The welfare of the marine environment is our most important consideration,” said Redulla.
