2025 Season
Fishing Regulations
Fishing
Hawaii Introduces 10-Inch Minimum Size for Blue-Striped Snapper
Effective January 1, 2025
Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources introduced a 10-inch total length minimum size limit for blue-striped snapper (ta'ape) effective 2025, the first size restriction ever applied to this species in Hawaii. The regulation applies across all Hawaiian Islands and targets harvest of juveniles before they reach reproductive maturity. Blue-striped snapper are an introduced species but support significant recreational and subsistence fisheries throughout the state.
Key Changes:
• New 10-inch total length minimum size limit for blue-striped snapper (ta'ape)
• Applies to all Hawaiian Islands and all fishing methods
• First size restriction ever enacted for this species in Hawaii waters
• Fish below 10 inches must be released immediately
• Daily bag limit and gear restrictions unchanged
• Regulation supported by DAR population surveys showing recruitment overfishing
Source: Official Hawaii Agency ↗
Hunting Regulations
Hunting
Hawaii Mandates Digital Harvest Check-In for Axis Deer, Pig & Sheep
Effective July 1, 2025
Hawaii DLNR introduced a mandatory statewide Game Management Unit (GMU) check-in system for all axis deer, feral pig, and mouflon sheep harvests, effective July 1, 2025. All successful hunters must report their harvest via the DLNR smartphone app within 24 hours of the kill. This replaces the previous voluntary reporting system and will provide DLNR with more accurate population monitoring data across all major islands.
Key Changes:
• Mandatory harvest check-in for axis deer, feral pig, and mouflon sheep effective July 1, 2025
• All harvests must be reported via DLNR smartphone app within 24 hours
• Replaces prior voluntary self-reporting system
• Applies statewide across all Game Management Units on all islands
• Failure to report harvest is a violation subject to citation
• DLNR app available for iOS and Android; registration required before season
Source: Official Hawaii Agency ↗