STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1731

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 Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 1240, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to protect aquatic life within the State's reef ecosystems by:

     (1)  Requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit proposed legislation prior to the Regular Session of 2019, for sustainable collection practices of nearshore aquatic life and limits on aquatic life collection; and

     (2)  Prohibiting the issuance of new aquarium fishing permits and the transfer of existing permits.

Kihei Community Association, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International, Conservation Council for Hawaii, Ocean Tourism Coalition, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Keiko Conservation, Turtle Island, Kauai Sea Tours, Kai Palaoa, Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, Snorkel Bob's Hawaii, For The Fishes, Maui Island Mermaids LLC, ORCa, Endangered Habitats League, Save the Turtles, Nakawe Project, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, Keiko Conservation Japan, and many concerned individuals supported this measure.  The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, Coral Fish Hawaii, Tropical Fish Emporium, Salty Waters LLC, Live Tanks Aquarium, Kaiohi Tropical Fish, and many concerned individuals opposed this measure.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources, West Hawaii Humane Society, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and many concerned individuals offered comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1240, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair