KAHULUI–Three Wailuku men were issued multiple citations within the ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u Natural Area Reserve (NAR) on May 21, at approximately 9:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

A pair of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) cited the men for violations of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), related to alleged fishing activities in the NAR.

According to the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) the ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u NAR is a nursery and refuge for some of Hawaii’s most important and unique marine resources.

“Protection of the marine life in this NAR benefits the fisheries ecosystems by providing an important source population that spreads out across the leeward waters. Illegal take of those important stocks impacts responsible fishers elsewhere. We have seen an increase in violations recently and appreciate the diligent efforts of DOCARE to catch the persons involved and issue citations,” said Scott Fretz, Maui branch manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), which manages the natural area reserve system statewide.

Photos courtesy DLNR

These suspects face multiple charges for the incident. Tibon Lankieo (24) was charged with prohibited activities (fishing gear prohibition within ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u).

Smith Kaious (33) was charged with prohibited activities (fishing gear prohibition within ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u). Prohibited Activities (remove, injuring, killing of marine life within the NAR), and ‘Opelu Kala (under the legal-size limit of 16 inches).

Dickey D.T. Timisen (38) was charged with prohibited Activities (remove, injuring, killing of marine life within the NAR), and prohibited activities (Fishing gear prohibition within ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u). Opelu Kala (Under the legal-size limit of 16 inches). Moi less than legal size limit of 11 inches). Maui take/possess any Uhu ‘ele’ele or Uhu uliuli and possess more than (2) Uhu at any one time).

Officers recovered a total of 78 different fish. The men are scheduled to appear in Maui District Court on June 27 at 9:00 a.m.

DLNR/DOFAW oversee 23 NAR units on five islands. The system was established to preserve in perpetuity, specific land and water areas which support communities, as relatively unmodified as possible, of the natural flora and fauna, as well as geological sites, of Hawai’i.

Anyone who sees suspected illegal activity at ‘Āhihi-Kīna’u or in any other NAR is encouraged to share photos and narratives of events witnessed via the free DLNRTip app or by calling the DOCARE Hotline at 808-643-DLNR (3-5-6-7).