Bill > SCR133

This concurrent resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, to create regulations that ban commercial octopus farming in Hawaii. The resolution highlights several concerns, including the potential negative impacts on Hawaii's coastal ecosystems and finite resources from intensive development, high energy use, and waste generation associated with aquaculture. It also points to risks of pathogen spread, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species that could harm local marine life and fisheries. Furthermore, the resolution notes that octopus farming would increase pressure on wild fish populations used for feed, disrupt marine food webs, and raise significant animal welfare issues due to the complex needs of octopuses, for which humane handling and slaughter methods are not yet established. The cultural importance of octopuses in Native Hawaiian traditions is also acknowledged, emphasizing the need to protect native octopus populations.