The new year means changes for some fishermen.

Starting January 1, 2019, the Waikiki-Diamond Head shoreline will be off-limits for fishing.

The ban will last for all of 2019.

The boundaries are from the ewa wall of the Waikiki Natatorium to the Diamond Head lighthouse, from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.

The area is closed every other year to help restore fish populations.

“The periodic closure of Waikiki-Diamond Head SFMA to fishing is intended to give fish a temporary break from fishing pressure,” said Brian Neilson, acting administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources. “Waikiki-Diamond Head is the only area in the state where this management approach is used, and we are in the process of evaluating other strategies for achieving current fisheries management goals.”

Fishing is not allowed at any time in the adjacent Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, which extends from the ewa wall of the Natatorium to the Kapahulu groin (jetty).

To report violations of any fishing regulation, please call the DLNR enforcement hotline at (808) 643-DLNR (643-3567).