Divers face poaching charges after dramatic nighttime bust

For the second time in a month, a several divers have been charged with spearfishing illegally in protected waters off Waikiki on the (...)

For the second time in a month, divers have been charged with spearfishing illegally in protected waters off Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

In a news release issued Friday, Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that seven men face multiple charges – and possible jail time – after being found in possession of about 130 fish and sea cucumbers.

The DNLR stated that the fish, including palani, kala, u‘hu, he‘e, and ulua, were speared at night within the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District and adjoining Waikiki Fisheries Management Area.

After receiving tips, officers converged on the area and observed 10 diving lights illuminating surface waters. One of the divers was approached when he came ashore, but the diver fled back into the ocean and cautioned the others, who turned off their dive lights and attempted to swim away.

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Officers with the DNLR Division of Conservation Resources (DOCARE) tracked the divers toward Diamond Head and arrested them when they emerged from the water with their gear and fish.

They were charged with prohibited activities in protected waters, possession of undersize fish, and diving without safety flags.

On Aug. 15, a similar bust in the same protected areas involved eight divers who had about 100 fish in their possession when they were confronted.

Suspects in both cases could face significant fines and jail time when they appear in court.

Said DNLR Chief Jason Redulla: “We are deeply appreciative of the people who are helping us watch out for our precious aquatic resources and reporting potential violations. Taking fish from any State MLCD is akin to stealing a baby from a nursery and we take these violations seriously and will pursue violators aggressively.”

–Images are courtesy of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources