It is unlawful to intentionally take, break or damage, with crowbar, chisel or any other implement, any rock or coral to which marine life of any type is visibly attached or affixed. 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. The sale of the following eight species of stony corals is prohibited in Hawaii. The most common Pocillopora in Hawaii, this coral prefers wave-agitated environments, and is found at depths down to about 150 feet.
Branches are heavy and leaf-like, and fork bluntly near the ends.
All branches have wart-like projections called verrucae that are covered with calices. Color of living colonies ranges from brown to pink. This delicate and fragile coral forms small bushy clumps up to about 6 inches in diameter. Colonies consist of fine branches covered with calices. These branches range from long and slender in calm waters to more robust forms in areas of wave action.