Vehicle inspections net contraband
KAHULUI, Maui — Hawaii Superferry vehicle screeners continue to intercept 'opihi, lobsters, dead bees, fishing nets and muddy trucks at ports in Honolulu and Maui.
State officials say the number of restricted items uncovered by screeners has grown with the increase in passengers aboard the new interisland ferry, which reported record bookings in May.
Although the contraband found by screeners violates state-imposed ferry operating rules, in most cases there were no violations of state conservation or agricultural laws.
In fact, only five citations were issued from April 11 to June 9 for violations, which included possession of undersized 'opihi and uhu (parrotfish), and possession of ogo with reproductive nodes or with "holdfast," which connects the seaweed to the seafloor, according to conservation and enforcement officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
State officials say the number of restricted items uncovered by screeners has grown with the increase in passengers aboard the new interisland ferry, which reported record bookings in May.
Although the contraband found by screeners violates state-imposed ferry operating rules, in most cases there were no violations of state conservation or agricultural laws.
In fact, only five citations were issued from April 11 to June 9 for violations, which included possession of undersized 'opihi and uhu (parrotfish), and possession of ogo with reproductive nodes or with "holdfast," which connects the seaweed to the seafloor, according to conservation and enforcement officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
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