Bill > HB345

This bill establishes the ?opae ?ula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, as the official state shrimp of Hawaii. The legislation recognizes anchialine pools (wai ?opae) as culturally sacred ecosystems, with over 650 of the state's 700 recorded pools located in Hawaii County's Kona and Ka?u districts. The ?opae ?ula is an endemic shrimp species that serves as an important indicator of the health of these unique pools, with abundant populations signaling a healthy ecosystem. By designating the ?opae ?ula as the state shrimp, the legislature aims to raise awareness about these special shrimp and support conservation efforts for anchialine pool ecosystems. The bill explicitly states that this designation will not interfere with the traditional practice of harvesting ?opae for ?opelu fishing. The new designation will be added to Chapter 5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=345&year=2025