Hawaiian Reefers

Hey, I am in Hawaii!!!! I didn't think anyone else would be crazy enough to try and set up a reef tank in Hawaii. Glad to see there are some other crazies out there!!! I have a 24 nano that is about 5 months old. I have several frags of non-native coral, and if we start a group would love to trade, and wouldn't mind helping people move tanks if necessary.

Alex
 
From what I've read, and I even checked with a rep at DNR as long as your coral was not collected from hawaiian waters you are ok. They ban the import of some inverts, but you can import any fish or coral you'd like. Most places won't do it because it has to go through an inspection (kinda like the animal QT) and usually results in death.
 
DLNR is not the issue. DLNR only deals with local waters and collection/catching of organisms locally. What the problem is is the state Department of Agriculture. And yes, almost all corals that we would keep in a reef tank is on the banned list (prohibited from entry into the state of Hawaii and being kept by private individuals - with certain exceptions for research facilities such as the Waikiki Aquarium/University of Hawaii). Certain acropora species/tridacna clams/Sarcophyton sp. leathers are on a separate list which are permitted under special research permits but these are extraordinarily difficult to obtain (I know, I tried getting one!) and even if you were to obtain one, any animal would have to go through inspection by Ag like you mentioned and the holdup would probably mean the death of the animal. Truly a sad state of affairs.

http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/adminrules/AR-71RA.pdf

That's the list of animals that are restricted to only research institutes. See the number of organisms that we usually keep in reef tanks? (sigh)

Spleen
 
affan - you having fun plugging that video? LOL I admit that it's very nice and impressive.

Spleen
 
Hey, I'm in Hawaii, On Oahu...Just transferred a 30g I had for about 5 months into a 75g. I got a Mixed reef with a very heavy bioload. Nice to meet other reefers from the island. I only know Fish Only guys until reading this thread...
 
i import fish and have very minimal losses (none last time out of 120 fish) Ag inspects the fish in a timely manner, but once and a while they take their sweet time.. which is very annoying. lol i can't imagine it is fun going through 25 boxes of fish :)
 
Why do you import the fish? I have seen just about every fish available here in Hawaii, and many much, much cheaper then available via the internet or back on the mainland.
 
is the DNR really that big of a problem around there? I've been to Hawaii although the very touristy parts of Oahu and I know the DNR here (Iowa) is a joke, you never see them, how hard would it be to go snorkling and grab a rock or two, throw them in a cooler and take it home?
 
To me the only problem seems to be the actual rules are very obscure and not readily available for average citizens. I searched, and looked and talked to people for nearly 3 weeks and thought I was in full compliance. Then spleen brings up a whole new set of rules from the dept of Ag!!! I mean, if you are going to make rules contrary to the rest of the country you should at least make them simple to understand and readily available so that your citizens can follow them. Aside from that, I have never seen them out at the beach checking what was in peoples bags or coolers as they left.
 
im a wholesaler so i import from australia, marshalls and christmas island.

DNLR isnt a problem. AG is. The are a pain, and very picky about small things.

The only time you will be checked is if you are on a boat fishing. Once and a while somone will ask to see permits and check the fish. You will never find one at the beach. You could easily go to sandy's or somewhere grab some stuff and leave without any trouble. lol
 
lol no. coral fish is another wholesaler. they bring in their own fish. and they have a much bigger operation then i do. I run it out of my garage haha. I do sell to Modern pets once and a while. i've gotten pretty close with bronsan, wally and frank.

there are many many wholesalers on this island. I think only coral fish is open to the public though.
 
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