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SB510
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
510
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to the lapakahi marine life conservation district.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The legislature
finds that the division of aquatic resources (DAR) of the department of land
and natural resources issued a fishing moratorium in the waters surrounding the
Lapakahi state historical park.
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DAR
intended for the moratorium to restore overfished species, support the local
ecological balance, and honor the region's rich cultural and historical
significance.
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Studies conducted by DAR
indicate that fish populations in the Lapakahi marine life conservation district
have rebounded and coral health has improved since the adoption of the
moratorium.
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However, the moratorium has
also negatively affected local fishers and surrounding communities that rely on
these waters for their incomes and livelihoods.
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The legislature further finds that the
moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi marine life conservation district is no
longer necessary as recent assessments indicate that populations of key fish
species have recovered.
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To address the
economic needs of the local community and to ensure the preservation of the
marine resources in the conservation district, fishing should be reintroduced
to the area under sustainable management protocols.
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Reintroducing sustainable fishing practices
with the proper rules and regulations will benefit the local economy,
reinvigorate local fishing activity, and establish guidelines for sustainable
fishing to ensure that marine resources remain available and plentiful.
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Lifting the moratorium will also provide the
local community with an opportunity to provide input and collaborate with the
department in the management of the conservation district.
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Therefore, the purpose of this measure is
to direct the department of land and natural resources to adopt rules lifting
the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi marine life conservation district.
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SECTION 2.
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The department of land and natural resources shall adopt rules lifting
the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi marine life conservation district.
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SECTION 3.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
DLNR;
Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District; Fishing; Moratorium
Description:
Directs
the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules lifting the
moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.