Am I SOL in Hawaii?

LowHangingFruit

LowHangingFruit

New member
There seems a good chance I'll be moving to O'aho next year and from what I've read so far...it looks like I may not be able to continue to have coral in my tank. Besides fish, is there anything else I'll be able to keep?

Thanks in advance.
 
There are a couple of stores in Hawaii that carry coral. I'm not sure which islands they are on though. Here's a site you can find them on: Fish Stores Near Me Hawaii

It's tough to feel bad for you though because you'll be living in Hawaii :)
 
Man that sucks. If you want, I'll switch places and you can stay in the states? A sacrifice on my behalf, I know.
 
Isn't a large portion of the specimens available in our hobby collected in Hawaii? I've never heard of any laws against owning coral there, but then, I've never faced an impending move to Hawaii. Poor sap.
 
Poor me...I know :hmm4:

I started reefing while here in Japan and I have always been frustrated with the lack of reefing options since this place is for some reason...dominated by fresh water. Front what I can find online about Hawaii is my cant take any rock or coral out of the ocean or import any coral. I have read I can keep zoas though.

Maybe I can import native coral species to keep?
 
Carpenter Wrasse

Carpenter Wrasse

Just added a Carpenter Wrasse to DT along with a Whip Fin. They were in QT together. They joined a Lubbocks and Red Head Salon in the DT. I didn't see the Carpenter for about two days and when he came out of hiding, about 60% of his tail fin is missing - looks to have been nipped at. He is out in the open almost all the time now and I have not seen any other fish bother it in the slightest. Absolutely no aggression towards him.

Any way what are the chances his tail will grow back
 
hkgar said:
Just added a Carpenter Wrasse to DT along with a Whip Fin. They were in QT together. They joined a Lubbocks and Red Head Salon in the DT. I didn't see the Carpenter for about two days and when he came out of hiding, about 60% of his tail fin is missing - looks to have been nipped at. He is out in the open almost all the time now and I have not seen any other fish bother it in the slightest. Absolutely no aggression towards him.

Any way what are the chances his tail will grow back
Click to expand...

I think you're lost, buddy.
 
I lived in Maui for many years, and there are very strict laws that carry severe punishment for collecting most corals, live rock, and fish. You cannot get species imported as they do not want invasive species taking over their reefs. Even if you follow the law and have a tank with legitimately collected species, you may be visited by law enforcement to verify that you are in compliance. The local people are wonderful and loving, but do not enjoy the love of the hobby that we do. If you have a blue glow coming out of your home, expect a visit from the cops. There are some zoos that can be collected, but you may have to "prove" they were collected legally. Good luck with that. My advice would be to enjoy snorkeling and diving.

Short answer is Yes. You are SOL :(
 
For me this would be a pretty good reason not to move there...

I've heard that there is an underground reefer community, complete with black market and all... though I don't know how much you enjoy the lawless life and hiding your tanks in the basement.
 
ThRoewer said:
For me this would be a pretty good reason not to move there...

I've heard that there is an underground reefer community, complete with black market and all... though I don't know how much you enjoy the lawless life and hiding your tanks in the basement.
Click to expand...

Man, it's hard enough reefing where I live where it's legal. My problem is not enough interested locals to support good stores.
 
I'm sure the fowlr would have to be only local fish as well.

I can't pass up the opertunity to live there four years just because of I can't have a reef tank. It sure does suck though!
 
I asked Live Aquaria and this is the response

Dear Gary,

Thank you for your e-mail. We apologize, however due to import/export regulations, as well as increased shipping times caused by deliveries, we are unable to ship any live items out of the continental US. However, we are able to ship pet supplies anywhere in the world! For a full list of the available pet products we currently offer, please visit www.DrsFosterSmith.com.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If we can be of any additional assistance, please feel free to contact our LiveAquaria Department at 1-800-334-3699 or via email at customerservice@liveaquaria.com and we will be happy to answer any question(s) you may have.

We hope that you find this information beneficial. We employ some of the best people in the industry and want to be your source for all of your aquatic needs. You will also find over 1500 articles full of helpful information on our Pet Education website! Browse by species or topic. Your question(s) may already be answered there. http://www.peteducation.com

Sincerely,

Customer Support
Drs. Foster & Smith
 
LowHangingFruit said:
I'm sure the fowlr would have to be only local fish as well.

I can't pass up the opertunity to live there four years just because of I can't have a reef tank. It sure does suck though!
Click to expand...

That wont be a problem because hawaii has some of the most beautifyl fish out there.. flame wrasse, triggers,tangs, angels.. you'll see enough from snorkling you wont need a reef tank.

You'll probably be begging to see more civilization.. not much to do outside honolulu
 
I would call the Division of Aquatic Resources (http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/) and talk to them.

You won't be able to have a reef tank like on the mainland (or, for the most part, collect live rock since it may have life attached) but there are reef stores to purchase items from. My scuba instructor had a fairly decent reef tank. If you temper your expectations, you can have a tank.

However, it is hard to swim among the fish you are confining to your tank and not feel guilty about it...
 
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