Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
HONOLULU
Waikiki shore fishing reopens
On New Year's Day, the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area will reopen to pole-and-line fishing, throw netting, hand-harvesting and daytime spearfishing.
Fishing in the waters from the 'ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse is closed during odd-numbered calendar year to allow fish populations to recover.
Fishing with traps or nets other than throw nets and hand nets to land hooked fish is prohibited and other established rules including fishing seasons and bag and size limits are still in force.
"The Waikiki shoreline FMA is a unique management tool," said Peter Young, state Department of Land and Natural Resources chairman.
"It has allowed recreational fishing activities to continue along one of the most densely populated shorelines in the state, and enabled fish populations to recover during alternate years.
"We urge fishers who use the area to be responsible and keep the area clean of fishing debris, and to exercise appropriate caution around other ocean users."
Police seek help in hit-and-run
A 57-year-old man remained hospitalized yesterday after a hit-and-run Saturday night.
Police are hoping witnesses will come forward with information.
The man was hit at South King Street and Kahuna Lane at about 11:22 p.m. He was not in a crosswalk at the time, police said. He was taken by ambulance to The Queen's Medical Center in critical condition.
Police said the car may have been a white or silver four-door Toyota-type vehicle. It would be missing its right side mirror, traffic detectives said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 529-3499.
Man, 25, faces sex charges
Authorities have charged a 25-year-old man with seven counts of second-degree sex assault and five counts of fourth-degree sex assault.
Thomas Monis of Metcalf Street is accused of assaulting a 17-year-old girl on Dec. 19-20 in 'Aiea and also at his home, police said. He was charged Thursday.
Whale-watch suit possible
The family of a 3-year-old boy who died on an O'ahu whale watch tour may file suit over the child's death.
The boy — Ryker Hamilton, of Norfolk, Va. — was with his father, Ryan Hamilton, aboard the 108-foot American Dream on Thursday morning when a humpback whale surfaced near the boat in waters about three miles south of O'ahu.
Boat captain Monroe Wightman tried to maneuver to avoid the whale, causing Ryker to strike his head against the boat, the Coast Guard said. A preliminary investigation by the Coast Guard cleared Wightman of any wrongdoing.
But the Hamiltons have hired attorney L. Rick Fried Jr., who said he planned to hold a news conference today.
