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FAQs

Makai Watch

What is Makai Watch?

  • The HawaiÊ»i Makai Watch Program is a statewide partnership that engages community members and NGOs to work with DLNR & DOCARE on marine resource management through education, monitoring, and promoting rule compliance. It is grounded in the idea that people who live near and use the resources best understand and can help protect them, serving as the “eyes and ears” of their areas. The program reflects traditional Hawaiian ahupuaÊ»a management systems, emphasizing that those who rely on a resource share responsibility for its long-term health.

 

What specific tasks will Makai Watch do?

Makai Watch volunteers will go through a series of trainings to become maʻa (familiar with/experienced) with:

  • Local & State fishing rules & regulations

  • Understanding the process and information DOCARE officers need to issue citations

  • The best ways to work with DLNR DOCARE to provide meaningful collaboration that helps both parties ensure that the Bay's resources are being properly managed and cared for

  • How to perform outreach and educate community

  • Participate in citizen science in monitoring the Bay's health and resource abundance

*Note that not all Makai Watch volunteers will have the exact same role but all must have a solid understanding of these main topics.

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Fishing Tournament & Community Event

 

Is the Eat the Invaders Fishing Tournament connected to the Community Event?

  • Yes! While this fishing tournament runs for several days, the weigh-in coincides with the community event so that anyone who doesn't participate as a fisher, can also come for free to check out the fisher's catch, learn to gyotaku fish print, eat some Ê»ono invasive tasting plates, and learn from educational booths and partners.

 

Can I come to the community event even if I don't participate in the fishing tournament?

  • Yes! Bring your family, friends, dog, or anyone you think might be interested in trying some fried fish, smoked invasives fish dip & more pupus, as well as lots of fun, educational booths and activities!

  • Learn about the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) in Maunalua Bay and how you can be part of the Bay's resource management.

  • Event will run from 10am-3pm with the fishing tournament weigh-in & prizes starting around noon.

 

Is the Fishing Tournament and Community Event Free?

  • Yes! The community event is free to attend & fishing tournament is free to enter (30-team cap)!

 

When and where will I be able to fish

  • Anywhere on OÊ»ahu is eligible to be fished with certain exceptions explained in the Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13, Subtitle 4 and in accordance with DAR regulations.

  • NOTE THAT NIGHT SPEARFISHING IS PROHIBITED IN MAUNALUA BAY

  • A MANDATORY check-in will happen both in person or online on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00pm. There will be a zoom link sent out the week prior and in person participants will meet at KuliÊ»ouÊ»ou Beach Park.

  • Fishing and diving will then begin Friday, February 27th at 7:00am (Honor system)

 

What kind of fishing is allowed?

  • We are allowing hook & line fishing, spearfishing (freediving only), and surround netting (please only target the invasives and not any other reef fish) in this tournament and only for taÊ»ape, toÊ»au, and roi.

  • See the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) gear restrictions.

 

Which species are eligible?

  • Only taÊ»ape, toÊ»au, and roi will be eligible for this tournament. ALL FISH must be kept on ice and not spoiled. Any spoiled fish will not be accepted at the tournament weigh-in.

 

When do I need to bring my fish to the weigh-in?

  • ALL fishers must have their fish weighed or in line to be weighed by 12pm on Sunday, March 1st at KuliÊ»ouÊ»ou Beach Park. Failure to be in line by the cutoff time will result in you being placed last for any prize eligibility.

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What are the prize categories?

PRIZE CATEGORIES: Lots of prizes and amazing fishing gear from Hanapaʻa, Hammerhead Spearguns, Nanko's Fishing Supply, 7 Sea-knives, Venture Wetsuits and more!

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RANDOM CUMULATIVE WEIGHT TEAM PRIZES OPEN TO BOTH CATEGORIES

-1st/2nd/3rd place prizes will be award for RANDOM cumulative weights of fish.

Each team will be given a number corresponding to their cumulative team weight. Random 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place numbers will be drawn to determine team winners. (Team winners)

Ex. A cumulative weight of 2lbs has the same chance to win as a cumulative weight of 80lbs

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INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT PRIZES (1st place only)

-Heaviest taʻape*

-Heaviest toʻau*

-Heaviest roi*

-Smallest taʻape*

-Smallest toʻau*

-Smallest roi*

-Heaviest fish caught by a youth (17 and under - individual winners)*

* ALL FISHERS may select only one fish from their catch to submit to the weigh-master to compete for these categories. 

*Note: No individual may win more than one individual prize category. Participants may enter fish into all individual prize categories but in the event of one person having multiple winning fish, the individual must choose which one prize they want to take home. The next heaviest/smallest fish will then be the winner for the other prize categories. 

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Motorized vessels TEAM PRIZE ONLY

-1st/2nd/3rd place team prizes will be awarded to teams WITH any motorized vessel for the most cumulative weight of invasives (motorized boats, skiffs, motorized canoes, etc)

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Shore & human-powered vessels TEAM PRIZE ONLY

- 1st/2nd/3rd place team prizes will be awarded to teams WITHOUT use of motorized vessels for most cumulative weight of invasives (Shore fishers, shore divers, human-powered vessels such as paddle boards, kayaks without a motor, etc)

(Depending on prize availability, there may be additional prize categories at the tournament weigh-in)

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