Our Guiding Principles:

• Lawai’a is a sense of being, one of respect, responsibility, reason and purpose when fishing. Traditional fishing is a spiritual state of mind guided by a combination of experience, wisdom, and knowledge of ones environment. It is not only skill that makes for good fishermen but also patience, respect, passion, appreciation and wise use of his resources.
• All fishermen are created equally and should treat each other as valued colleagues not competitors or adversaries. No one has more right to the resource than another. Fishery resources should be shared, fair and balanced among all user groups (commercial, recreational and subsistence).
• The application of proven scientific method and empirical knowledge to best manage resources effectively, that regulations should be effective and their desired intent measurable, that regulations should be reviewed and reported regularly to monitor effectiveness; the regulations should have clear intent and are enforceable.
• Advocate vigorously but responsibly on matters that affect fishing and fisheries, the ecosystem in an open and transparent discussion that involves all resource users.
• Fishermen must behave ethically and display integrity, honesty, and respect at all times. Lead by actions.
• Never waste our precious resources

Code of Conduct

Wise use of fish and aquatic resources by all LAWAI’A will ensure that those resources will be available in the future.

• Know and obey all laws and regulations governing fishing in your area
• Practice safe fishing practices by following the laws and using common sense practices to prevent injury to ones self, others and property.
• Respect
  • Respect all resource users - don’t crowd or interfere with other fishermen or resource users.
  • Respect Private Property - always ask permission before entering private lands.
  • Respect Fish, Wildlife and all Natural Resources - always support conservation efforts.
• Be Knowledgeable and Respect all Fish, Wildlife and the Environment.
  • Investigate to know the condition of your resource.
  • Learn the life cycles of fish so you know when it is best to fish for them.
  • Limit the catch of juvenile fish that are too small to reproduce, such as oama and hahalalu.
  • Protect and monitor their habitat, it is their home; report changes or destruction.
• Trash
  • Always contain and remove your own trash (plastics, old bait, fishing line, etc), always leave your fishing area cleaner than when you arrived.
  • Help remove excess trash (do your part)
  • Help report the location of large marine debris
  • If you clean you catch at the beach please properly dispose of all discards.
• Set a good example for others to follow. Good fishing practices and fellowship are infectious.
• Actively participate in the decision making that determines how our shared resources will be managed.
• The ocean is our icebox, be pono when fishing. Take only what you need and don’t be greedy and waste fish. Think about your children, grandchildren and those who will need fish in the future too. What you take today will make a difference tomorrow. Practice “Catch & Release” of fish that are unwanted or prohibited from being retained.
• Whenever possible, share your catch with family, friends and elderly so they can eat healthy seafood.