Rock straight from ocean

Preface: I have a friend in Hawaii. I asked him if he would get me some rock from the ocean, dip it, lay it out to die, then send it to me in TN. He said that he's pretty sure that's illegal.

I've read posts here and at other forums where people are getting rock straight form the ocean.

Question: Is that, in fact, illegal for him to get that rock for me?

 

Short answer: probably yes.

Laws on this vary by country & state.

 

Hawaii has very strict laws as far as what goes into the state, im not sure about what comes out, but as evolved stated its probably illegal.

 

if it isnt illegal, its gonna cost hella $$ to ship from hawaii to tenn.

just curious why dip it then let it dry out? why not just let it dry anything on it will die from no water. dipping seems kinda pointless.

but being hawaii, they prolly have some law against it, but im not sure. I would think if you cant take rocks off the beach (i know ppl who would try and ppl said they couldnt.) i dont think you can take em from the reefs.

 

If you're going to dry it, why bother? You can buy dry rock most anywhere that will require a lot less cleaning and curing to be usable.

 

If it isn't illegal, I can have it shipped in USPS flat rate boxes for around $15/box. Since I only need about 50-60 more lbs, it'll cost $30-$45 total. That's a much better price than I can get it anywhere else. Only if it's legal though.

 

I just copied this from Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources

State law prohibits the breaking or damaging, with any implement, any stony coral from the waters of Hawaii, including any reef or mushroom coral. HAR 13-95-70

It is unlawful to take, break or damage, any implement, any rock or coral to which marine life of any type is visibly attached. HAR 13-95-71


The taking of sand, coral rubble or other marine deposits is permitted in certain circumstances. The material may not exceed one gallon per person per day, and may be taken only for personal, noncommercial purposes. HRS 171-58.5, HRS 205A-44

I think that pretty much says its illegal, sorry.

 

According to this though, if it isn't attached and doesn't have life on it, he can get me 1g/day, right? Am I reading that right? I'm not trying to skirt the law, I'm just trying to save some money.

 

all in all i dont think it would be worth it. Marcos rocks will ship you dry rock to your door.

 

It says for "personal" purposes, normally personal use means that it must be kept by the person collecting it, not boxing it up and sending it to a relative several thousand miles away.