HAR §13-95-51. Pāpa‘i kualoa (Kona crab)

(a) It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, or sell any pāpa‘i kualoa less than four inches in carapace length. (b) It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, or sell any pāpa‘i kualoa taken from the waters within the jurisdiction of the State from May through September. (c) The possession of any pāpa‘i kualoa from May through September by any person is prima facie evidence that the person is guilty of a violation of this section; provided that any commercial marine dealer may sell, or any hotel, restaurant, or other public eating house may serve pāpa‘i kualoa lawfully caught during the open season by first procuring a license to do so pursuant to section 13-74-41. (d) It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, or sell any pāpa‘i kualoa with eggs. Any pāpa‘i kualoa with eggs caught must immediately be returned to the waters from which the crab was taken. The possession of any pāpa‘i kualoa showing indications of its eggs having been scraped or removed is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. (e) It is unlawful for any person to pursue, take, or kill any pāpa‘i kualoa in the State with a spear. (f) It is unlawful for any person to possess or sell any speared pāpa‘i kualoa. [Eff 12/03/98; am 12/19/02; am and comp 1/31/21; am and comp 2/22/24] (Auth: HRS §187A-5) (Imp: HRS §§187A-5, 188-57)