Hunting & Fishing

Emergency Device Helps Rescue Fishermen

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

 

Last Thursday, two Molokai fishermen were stranded after their 18-foot boat capsized. A Coast Guard crew was able to quickly locate them and hoist them to safety after the fishermen activated an emergency beacon on board their vessel called an EPIRB, which stands for emergency position-indicating radiobeacon.

The two men, who were not identified, launched their boat from Kaunakakai Harbor Thursday morning to go fishing. They reported that a wave hit their boat, overturning it. They were able to swim out from under the boat but weren’t able to call for help, according to the Coast Guard. One of the Molokai residents swam back under the boat to manually activate the emergency beacon, and the signal was received by the Coast Guard at 12:06 p.m.…

Mixed Feedback for Proposed Subsistence Fishing Area

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017

Mixed Feedback for Proposed Subsistence Fishing Area

Emotions ran high during a contentious discussion about the Community Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) being proposed for a portion of Molokai’s norther coastline last Thursday. Organizers of the proposal say efforts began about 20 years ago to establish sustainable fishing guidelines to protect declining ocean species. Now, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is beginning a process to create an official designation for the area and gathering feedback on the proposed rules that reflect traditional fishing practices of moderate gathering and kapu periods.

While some feel the rules are needed to ensure Molokai’s resources are protected for the future, others expressed concerns that they didn’t feel involved in the process or that the rules will limit Hawaiian gathering rights.…

FAQ on Subsistence Fishing Area

Wednesday, March 8th, 2017

 

By Bruce S. Anderson, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources Administrator

With the recent submission of a Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) designation proposal for Mo`omomi and the North Coast of Molokai, and upcoming public scoping meetings, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) would like to address some frequently asked questions. The proposed CBSFA extends from `Ilio Point in the west to Kaholaiki Bay in the east, from the shoreline out to one nautical mile.

What is a CBSFA?
A CBSFA is a type of marine managed area established by State law for the specific purpose of “reaffirming and protecting fishing practices customarily and traditionally exercised for purposes of native Hawaiian subsistence, culture, and religion.”…

Prevent a Rabbit Invasion

Friday, November 18th, 2016

Domesticated rabbits on Molokai that have escaped or been released have been reported around the island and pose a dangerous threat to the ecosystem if not controlled, according to local natural resource managers.

“There are confirmed sightings in a widespread area,” said Butch Haase, executive director of the Molokai Land Trust (MLT). “They could cause devastating ecological and economic impacts like nothing we’ve seen before.”

Haase said MLT staff found a rabbit in one of its fenced restoration sites in the Mokio Preserve near Ilio Point.

“The rabbit had been browsing the endangered ohai plants within the fenced site to the point of killing many of the plants,” he said, adding the animal was large and mostly white. “The…

Diving Accident Claims Life of Paramedic

Monday, December 21st, 2015

Diving Accident Claims Life of Paramedic

While you consult Leppard Law: what happens now that I’ve had a dui? Have you ever thought about how severe an accident can be because of your carelessness? A 26-year-old paramedic from Molokai died in a freediving accident last Saturday on the island’s west end. Steven “Keku” Likua went diving with friends off Kaiaka Rock at about 3 p.m. He was last seen an hour later, approximately 300 yards off shore, wearing a camouflage wet suit with fins, snorkel and mask, according to police. When the other divers emerged, Likua did not, and after searching the area, friends reported him missing.…

Rule Proposed to Protect Sea Cucumbers

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

After a commercial operation was discovered overharvesting sea cucumbers earlier this year, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking to regulate the catch and consumption of the marine creature throughout the state.

Previously, there were “no rules at all” protecting sea cucumbers, which serve an important purpose in the ocean, said Russell Sparks, aquatic biologist with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).

“The … thing that concerned us is the role these animals play on the reef,” Sparks explained. “They’re kinda like earthworms on land. They gotta turn the sediments over and clean it.”

Last week DLNR officials held a public hearing on Molokai to discuss proposed regulations with community members.…

“Fishing Pono” Film Now Viewable Online

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

“Fishing Pono” Film Now Viewable Online

 

A half-hour documentary film featuring Molokai resource manager Mac Poepoe is now available for free streaming online through the end of July. “Fishing Pono: Living In Harmony With The Sea” tells the story of declining fisheries and how some Native Hawaiian communities are using traditional conservation practices to restore their fishing grounds. The film, which premiered on PBS last summer, explores the exploitation of commercial fishing, in contrast with the sustainable resource management taught by Poepoe.

“I was drawn to Mr. Poepoe’s story because of the success of his program,” said filmmaker and producer Teresa Tico of Kauai. “In the beginning, no one wanted to work with him. …

Two Islands, One Goal

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Two Islands, One Goal

On a bright and breezy Thursday morning, two men from different parts of the world knelt over a pile of freshly netted weke. One was a Molokai born-and-raised fishpond keeper, the other, a Spanish-speaking Rapa Nui fisherman, each knowing just a few words of the other’s native tongue. Under a shady tree, they pulled out knife and fork and began scraping translucent scales from the fish in the same methodical style. Neither could say very much to each other, but they spoke the common language of men whose livelihoods revolve around fish.

It was this connection to the ocean, to kai, to el mar, that brought a conglomerate of Hawaiians and Rapa Nui together last month at Keawanui Fishpond on Molokai’s east end.…

People of Molokai Protecting the Aina

Friday, April 17th, 2015

Hui Malama O Mo`omomi News Release

On Saturday, April 25, Hui Malama O Mo`omomi is hosting a meeting about the Mo`omomi Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area Designation. This is the second phase of meetings with the public sector.

In the first phase, fishermen and families from Pala`au Moku and other interested residents reviewed the CBFSA proposed rules for resource sustainability at Mo`omomi, providing feedback and adding suggestions. This next phase brings forward the mana`o given by stakeholders in rule-making, for the management of resources by the community.

The meeting will be held on April 25 at Kulana `Oiwi from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.…

Record Roi Round-Up

Wednesday, April 8th, 2015

Record Roi Round-Up

Molokai divers joined forces last month for a cause – to save native fish species by ridding the island of about 1,000 pounds of invasive roi.

“Nowadays everyone is about malama this, malama that. This is really giving back to the reef,” said local diver Dicky Dowling, who organized the second annual Molokai Roi Tournament. “That’s the most invasive species… Somebody gotta do something, you cannot just stand on the side.”

In the 1950s, the Hawaii Department of Fish and Wildlife introduced roi as a game fish for food. However, they have now overtaken the reef and prey on native reef fish.…