(UPDATED)

57-year-old Randall Del Castillo Sr. and his son 33-year-old Randall Del Castillo Jr. of Wailuku were charged with the take and possession of a green sea turtle after being spotted by a DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officer.

During a routine patrol on Sunday, October 3, 2021, the officer reported seeing the two men retrieving a lobster net from a shoreline area known as Round Tables in the Waiehu area of Maui’s north shore. The officer then contacted the men and found a dead turtle entangled in fishing net. It had been placed in a metal tub which was attached to an inner tube. The turtle and all the physical items involved were taken as evidence and NOAA was informed of the incident.

The green turtle is a protected species and taking and possessing one is a prohibited activity under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules.  Both men have court dates scheduled for November 18, 2021 in Maui District Court.

Photo credit: DLNR