KANEOHE, Hawaii — The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement confiscated over 1,000 feet of lay net and two small boats early Friday morning after a tip.

DOCARE officers cited Abraham Estocado, 34, of Kaneohe, for lay net and boating violations, according to a DLNR news release. The officers observed Estocado towing a dinghy with a 14-foot whaler to a net in the water near Ahu o Laka sandbar in Kaneohe Bay. Officers allege he went into the water to retrieve the net.

Once the boats came to shore, officers cited Estocado and confiscated both vessels and the net as evidence. “A lot” of fish were caught up in the net noted DOCARE officers in the release. Estocado was told to appear in Kaneohe District Court on Nov. 3, 2022.

DLNR asks the public to contact DOCARE via the free DLNRTip app or by calling the 24/7 hotline at 808-643-3567 if you see any suspicious activity.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.