LIHU‘E — Kayge Jacobs, 3, can say the word ‘dolphin,’ said his father, Monday while picking up a free Ocean Learning Kit from Aaron Swink of the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.
“He doesn’t say very much,” the father said, pointing to the fistful of sea creatures being clutched by the 3-year-old. “But he knows how to say ‘dolphin’ and a few other animals. He loves fishing.”
The free Ocean Learning Kits dealing with Pono Fishing was just one of the activities being hosted for the World Oceans Day at the Kukui Grove Center.
“It’s really hard to do things when everything is virtual,” said Barbara Wiedner of Surfrider Foundation of Kaua‘i who was gallery sitting at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists Second edition Washed Up Marine Debris Art show. “Last year, there were so many big events so it’s hard to imagine that everything is virtual, this year.”
Wiedner, who claims she is not an artist, had her “Rainbow at Kealia” on display at the show that saw Monika Mira reap the top honor for the show that opened Saturday.
“I pick up plastic every day when I walk Kealia Beach,” Wiedner said. “Now, there are several other people who do this, too. The Rainbow is just a collection of all the plastic I keep finding during my daily walks. I’m not an artist, but I know almost everyone who has a piece in this show, so I figured ‘why not?’”
Swink said the concept of pono fishing is good for the ocean because it ensures there are plenty of fish for everyone.
Developed from traditional fishing practices, pono fishing makes people think about the impact of what they do has on the ocean, its health, food sustainability, and the environment.
As an example he spoke about not spearing Blue Uhu.
“If you take a female,” he said. “That means no more babies for that year. Blue Uhu females turn into males, but it takes a long time for that to happen. If you take the female, that means we might not have males and that means no more uhu for the year.”
Swink said the Department of Land and Natural Resources is hosting the 2020 Rainbow Trout Fishing Season starting on June 20 at the Koke‘e Public Fishing Area.
However, due to COVID-19 concerns and social distancing requirements, this year’s system will be through a lottery system. Trout fishermen are encouraged to visit the DLNR DARApplica website (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/) to apply for the lottery.
The online registration is the only means of accessing the lottery. Deadline for application is Friday.
Applicants must fill out an online form and provide an email address for the session assignment. Notification of the assignment will be through email only.
Entrance to Pu‘u Lua Reservoir will require a lottery confirmation email, fishing license, and a photo identification.
Anglers will be able to access the reservoir for four-hour sessions scheduled between June 20 and July 11 on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
