Hawaii Fish Collector Charged in Scuba Incident

[Wao nahele kane]

A Hawaii fish collector has been charged with terroristic threatening for pulling the air-supply regulator out of the mouth of an anti-aquarium-industry activist while they were both underwater.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hawai...t-24800052

[birdmove]

So the guy that pulled off the ladies scuba diving mouthpiece says it was her fault? Is it ever all right to risk drowning another diver at depth by pulling out their mouthpiece? Sounds like the guy attacked her. Was she pushing or shoving him while underwater? Seems like, unless someone comes after you with a knife or spear gun, or tries to strangle you underwater, that pulling out someone's mouthpiece is a life threatening situation. Should be an interesting trial

Jon in Keaau/HPP

[Rene]

I agree with Birdmove. This is far more serious than what it's being played down to be. It's systematic of the bullying mindset that is so prevalent in Hawaii. I really hope they make an example out of this guy and show that's it's not OK to do things like this.

[Peter Easterling]

The victim suckered the fish collector and he played his part perfectly. She is media savvy and caught the clown right in the act and off he went. However, the bigger issue is the one she was documenting. Isn't it time to stop collecting fish, putting non-domesticated animals in cages and treating animals as a source of human entertainment. Namaste died for our sins. No zoos, aquariums, or hunting for "sport." It is too late in the game. We can be better than that.

[lavalava]

Hear hear Peter!

[snorkle]

The sad part about gathering reef fish is that many species are farm bred and better suited to aquarium life.

Wild animals are almost certain to struggle and die in captivity. The sudden radical change of environment is much too stressful.

This means job security for the people denuding the reefs (until the reefs are barren, anyway).