Three people cited for undersized ʻopihi picking in West Hawaiʻi last weekend

Two people were cited and another was arrested over the weekend for reportedly picking undersized ‘opihi.

In Hawaiʻi, it’s illegal to take, possess, sell, or offer for sale ʻopihi (Cellana exarata) that are less than 1.25 inches in diameter with the shell attached, or less than 0.5 inches in diameter without the shell. 

ʻOpihi pickers cannot spear or mutilate them, and they cannot take or kill females. Commercial ʻopihi pickers are required to have commercial fishing licenses. 

The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) Marine Patrol Unit is responsible for enforcing regulations.

On Saturday, the Marine Patrol Unit spotted several people picking ‘opihi along the Ali‘i Drive shoreline in Kailua-Kona. Marine officers relayed their observations to officers on shore who were on patrol in the area.

Officers on land then approached Theodore Benedicto, 54, and Tracy Benedicto, 47, both of Pāhoa, and did a routine inspection of their catch. They were found to be in possession of 144 undersized ‘opihi and were issued citations and are summoned to appear in Kona District Court on May 15.

According to DOCARE, all the undersized ‘opihi were alive and in good condition. The suspects were directed to place them face down in a tide pool along the shoreline where they will have a higher chance of reattaching and surviving.

DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla pointed to this case as an important reason for marine patrol units, now on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island.

“The perspective officers get from the ocean is entirely different than what land-based officers may be seeing,” Redulla said.

In a second incident on Saturday, officers approached a separate subject picking ‘opihi along the Ali‘i Drive shoreline and inspected his catch. James Kanuha, 60, of Kailua-Kona was cited after being observed in possession of 156 undersized ‘opihi.

When Kanuha returned ʻopihi to a tide pool, officers used Hawai‘i’s eBench Warrant System and discovered Kanuha had a bench warrant for contempt of court, for failing to appear on a previous ‘opihi-related case in 2023.

Officers confirmed Kanuha’s warrant, arrested him, and he was transported to the Kona Police Station where he was booked. Kanuha posted $250 bail and was released. His court appearance will be in Kona District Court on May 8.