The Department of Land and Natural Resources is reminding the public that lobster and kona crab season is closed this month through the end of August. Moi season will also be restricted beginning Monday, June 1, and continuing through August.
State law prohibits the taking, killing, possession or sale of ula (spiny lobster), ula papapa (slipper lobster), Kona crab, and moi during these periods in state waters.
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case says the restrictions are in place to help sustain marine life populations during critical summer spawning months.
Case regards Moi as a particularly significant fish, owing to its revered status in Hawaiian culture.
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“At one time it was reserved only for royalty. Today we still value it as one of our most sought-after reef fishes,” said Case.
She noted that early Hawaiians also placed a restriction on certain fish during their spawning season to preserve populations.
During the open season for lobster and Kona crab, commercial dealers or restaurants may sell or serve spiny or slipper lobster caught during the open season by obtaining a license per Hawai‘i’s administrative rules in section 13-74-41.
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Catching, taking, or possessing female spiny and slipper lobsters and female Kona crab is prohibited year-round. The Hawai‘i Fishing Regulations booklet shows how to determine the sex of spiny lobsters and Kona crabs.
Moi season is open September through May and requires the minimum size to be 11 inches and the bag limit for possession and/or sale to be 15. Commercial dealers may possess or sell more than 15 moi if receipts are given for the purchase.
To report fishing violations, call the Department of Land and Natural Resources at (808) 643-3567.
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