Bill > HB365

This bill prohibits octopus aquaculture in Hawaii, making it illegal for individuals to engage in the propagation, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of octopuses for human consumption, with exceptions for wild-caught octopuses and those used for research purposes. The legislation is motivated by significant concerns about disease transmission from farmed octopuses to marine ecosystems, potential disruption of food webs and commercial fishing, and ethical considerations regarding the advanced cognitive abilities of octopuses. The bill defines aquaculture activities to include land-based recirculating aquaculture systems and provides clear definitions to distinguish between prohibited farming and permitted activities like research. The legislative findings highlight the potential risks of octopus farming, including the spread of pathogens like coccidial parasites, vibrio bacterial infections, and other microorganisms that could harm marine environments, as well as the potential stress and welfare issues associated with confining these intelligent creatures. The bill will take effect on July 1, 3000, and does not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=365&year=2026