STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1217

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   S.B. No. 1240

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1240, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit proposed legislation by the Regular Session of 2019, which sets forth a definition of "sustainable", a policy for sustainable collection practices of nearshore aquatic life, and limits on aquatic life collection.

The Mayor of the County of Hawaii, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Animal Rights Hawaii, Kihei Community Association, For The Sea Productions, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Sustainable Action Fund for the Environment, Snorkel Bob's Hawaii, Keiko Conservation International, Dolphin Excursions Hawaii, Inc., We Are One, Inc., Ocean Tourism Coalition, Ho‘omana Pono, LLC., The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.  Coral Fish Hawaii, Hawaii Goes Fishing, and many individuals testified in opposition to this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Endangered Habitats League, Trilogy Excursions, and numerous individuals commented on this measure.

     Your Committee notes that at the public hearing, a testifier who is a fisherman testified that he would support the bill if it were to be amended so that current fishers can finish out their careers. 

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Adding language that prohibits the issuance of new aquarium fishing permits and the transfer of existing permits;

     (2)  Adding a severability clause; and

     (3)  Changing its effective date to December 24, 2088 to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1240, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1240, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

KANIELA ING, Chair