Bill > HB1988

This bill prohibits the harvesting of any aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes, meaning for profit or gain where the aquatic life is sold, offered for sale, possessed with intent to sell, bartered, landed, or transported for sale to be kept alive in captivity or for display. This prohibition applies regardless of the method of collection, and it aims to protect Hawaii's coral reefs, which are vital to the environment and economy, from the significant damage caused by the aquarium pet trade, which has depleted fish populations and reduced species diversity. However, the bill clarifies that it does not affect special activity permits, recreational permits for non-commercial aquarium purposes, or captive-breeding and aquaculture efforts, nor does it prohibit traditional and customary practices, the lawful taking of fish for consumption or bait, or the lawful management or taking of aquatic life from fishponds. The bill also repeals a previous section related to monthly counts of exported aquarium fish and amends another section to remove the requirement for commercial marine dealers to report specific details about aquarium fish.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1988&year=2026