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: December 6, 2006

DLNR Reminds Fishers: New Law Prohibits Take Of Female
Spiny Lobsters, Kona Crabs and Samoan Crabs

HONOLULU— The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is reminding the public that taking or killing of female spiny lobsters, female Kona crabs and female Samoan crabs is prohibited by a new law.

The seasonal opening for male Kona crabs and spiny lobsters began September 1, but females are now off-limits, year-round. There is no closed season for Samoan crabs.

An amendment to Chapter 188, of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, adds a new section that states: “Unless otherwise exempted by law, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or kill any female ula (spiny lobster or Panulirus), female Kona crab (Ranina ranina), or female Samoan crab (Scylla serrata).”

“The new law, Act 77, was signed into effect by Governor Linda Lingle on May 4, 2006. It is included in the new DLNR Hawaii Fishing Regulations July 2006 edition, along with illustrations on how to tell male from female crabs and lobsters,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “We will be enforcing this new law,” Young said.

Information about the law and how to distinguish between male and female crustaceans is available on the DLNR-Aquatics web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/fish_regs/mvf.htm

Female marine invertebrates raised in commercial aquaculture are not covered by this prohibition.

“The number of spiny lobster, Kona crabs, and Samoan crabs has declined over the years,” says Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

“It appears that the over-harvesting of females has contributed to the decline. This measure prohibits any taking of female ula, Kona Crabs, and Samoan crabs, regardless of whether the taking was for commercial or recreational purposes.

A violation of this chapter is considered a petty misdemeanor and, in addition to any other criminal penalties, a violator shall be fined not less than: (1) $100 for a first offense; (2) $200 for a second offense; and (3) $500 for a third or subsequent offense, and be subject to up to 30 days in jail. The civil penalty fine is up to $1,000 per violation, plus up to $1,000 per specimen for a first offense (Section 187A-12.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes). In addition, violators could lose their gear, nets and boats to forfeiture.

Anyone witnessing an aquatic resources violation, or wanting to report any other natural, cultural or historical resources violation is urged to call our toll free, statewide, Law Enforcement HOTLINE number at 643 - 3567 where your calls will be directed to the nearest Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division Office.

Please provide as much information about the violation as possible, including detailed descriptions of the violators, vehicle(s) (license plate numbers), vessel(s) (hull identification numbers), date, time, location and any other information.

For more information on our natural, cultural and historical resources, including, contact information, Administrative Rules, bag limits, opened and closed seasons, please access our DLNR web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.