Pūpūkea MLCD Regulations in Brief:
Pūpūkea (Sharks Cove) and Kalua-Māua (Three Tables)
NO CAN
- fish for, take, injure, kill, possess ANY marine life (including eggs), or possess in the water ANY device that may be used for taking marine life, except a knife for personal safety only.
- take or alter any sand, coral, or other geological feature or specimen, or possess in the water any device that may be used for taking or altering a geological feature or specimen.
- introduce any food or other substance into the water to attract marine life, except as permitted for fishing in Waimea Bay.
CAN
- take and possess up to two pounds (combined total, squeezed dry) of limu kohu and limu lipe‘epe‘e by hand harvest only, provided the limu’s holdfast is left in place.
- possess a knife for personal safety only.
Waimea Bay
NO CAN
- snag any akule while fishing from the shoreline of Waimea Bay.
- fish for, take, injure, kill, possess any marine life (including eggs), or possess in the water any device that may be used for taking marine life, except a knife for personal safety only.
- take or alter any sand, coral, or other geological feature or specimen, or possess in the water any device that may be used for taking or altering a geological feature or specimen.
- introduce any food or other substance into the water to attract marine life, except as permitted for fishing in Waimea Bay.
CAN
- take and possess up to two pounds (combined total, squeezed dry) of limu kohu and limu lipe‘epe‘e by hand harvest only, provided the limu’s holdfast is left in place.
- possess a knife for personal safety only.
- take and possess any finfish with hook-and-line from the shoreline of Waimea Bay, with not more than two poles per person with one line per pole, with no more than two hooks per line. Fish taken must meet current rules and regulations: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/marine-fishes-and-vertebrates/
- take and possess ‘opelu with legal nets during August and September, and akule during November and December.
Pono Practices
While the following are not law, we ask that everyone follow these practices that help ensure the health of the reef ecosystem.
- Step in sandy areas, not on the living coral.
- Pick up trash from the water and the beach.
- Don’t feed the fish.
- Keep a safe distance from all marine life.
- Take only pictures—leave all shells and coral.
- Only use sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
- Use the public restrooms.
- Help to keep Hawai‘i beautiful by sharing this information with your friends.
Boundaries
Waimea Bay, Kalua-Māua (Three Tables), Pūpūkea (Sharks Cove): From Kulalua Point to the Wananapaoa Islets, including waters and submerged lands to 100 yards offshore.
Current Regulations
- DLNR – DAR Administrative Rules (PDF document)
- DOBOR Map (PDF document)
- DOBOR Rules (PDF document)
Pūpūkea Task Force Meetings
- Meeting #1 (Sept. 8, 1999)
- Meeting #2 (Oct. 13, 1999)
- Meeting #3 (Nov. 10, 1999)
- Meeting #4 (Dec. 1, 1999)
- Meeting #5 (Dec. 15, 1999)
- Meeting #6 (Feb. 1, 2000)
- Meeting #7 (Feb. 16, 1999)
- Meeting #8 (April 19, 2000)
- Meeting #9 (May 3, 2000)
- Final Recommendations
Executive Orders signed by Gov. Lingle on June 4, 2009
- EO #4275: Taking Back Parcel (PDF document)
- EO #4276: Transfer MLCD to DAR’s authority (PDF document)
Current DLNR Description of Pūpūkea MLCD