|
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
For Immediate Release:
|
HONOLULU — Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) enforcement officers today served forfeiture papers on, and seized a barge and floating dock in Kane‘ohe Bay as a result of an investigation into illegal commercial fishing activities. This nine month investigation conducted by DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers, and supported by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), resulted in 13 criminal charges of resources violations to include four counts of sale and possession of undersized Samoan crabs, and one arrest on outstanding warrants. A search warrant served on the barge in October of 2005 by DLNR conservation police officers and HPD revealed many aspects of the illegal commercial fishing operation as well as drug paraphernalia, packaging material consistent with ice (crystal methamphetamine) distribution and small amounts of ice and marijuana. "DLNR's investigation was triggered by numerous public complaints over an extended period and concerns that commercial fishing activities occurring on the barge were illegal," said Peter Young, DLNR Chairperson. Undercover DLNR enforcement officers made purchases of undersized Samoan crabs on three separate occasions from male and female occupants of the barge. An order granting motion for entry of default judgement and granting verified petition for forfeiture was filed in the First Circuit Court today. The barge is scheduled to be towed to Heeia-Kea Harbor and then demolished.
# # #
For more information, contact: |
