HB 345: Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that anchialine pools, also known as wai ‘ōpae, are considered wahi pana, or culturally sacred, special ecosystems in Hawaii.  Of the seven hundred recorded anchialine pools in the State, over six hundred fifty pools are located in the county of Hawaii, mostly in the districts of north and south Kona and Ka‘ū.

     The ʻōpae ‘ula is a species of shrimp endemic to Hawaii's anchialine pools.  The population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is an important indicator of the health of an anchialine pool.  In healthy anchialine pools, the population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is abundant.

     The legislature further finds that the designation of the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp will raise awareness of the ‘ōpae ‘ula and support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State as a natural resource.  In designating the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp, the legislature does not intend to prevent or impact the traditional and ongoing practice of harvesting ‘ōpae to be used in ‘ōpelu fishing.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish ʻōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-     State shrimp.  The ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, is established and designated as the official shrimp of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

Description:

Establishes the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that anchialine pools, also known as wai ‘ōpae, are considered wahi pana, or culturally sacred, special ecosystems in Hawaii.  Of the seven hundred recorded anchialine pools in the State, over six hundred fifty pools are located in the county of Hawaii, mostly in the districts of north and south Kona and Ka‘ū.

     The ʻōpae ‘ula is a species of shrimp endemic to Hawaii's anchialine pools.  The population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is an important indicator of the health of an anchialine pool.  In healthy anchialine pools, the population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is abundant.

     The legislature further finds that the designation of the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp will raise awareness of the ‘ōpae ‘ula and support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State as a natural resource.  In designating the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp, the legislature does not intend to prevent or impact the traditional and ongoing practice of harvesting ‘ōpae to be used in ‘ōpelu fishing.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish ʻōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-    State shrimp.  The ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, is established and designated as the official shrimp of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on June 6, 2944.

Report Title:

Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

Description:

Establishes the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.  Effective 6/6/2944.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that anchialine pools, also known as wai ‘ōpae, are considered wahi pana, or culturally sacred, special ecosystems in Hawaii.  Of the seven hundred recorded anchialine pools in the State, over six hundred fifty pools are located in the county of Hawaii, mostly in the districts of north and south Kona and Ka‘ū.

     The ʻōpae ‘ula is a species of shrimp endemic to Hawaii's anchialine pools.  The population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is an important indicator of the health of an anchialine pool.  In healthy anchialine pools, the population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is abundant.

     The legislature further finds that the designation of the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp will raise awareness of the ‘ōpae ‘ula and support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State as a natural resource.  In designating the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp, the legislature does not intend to prevent or impact the traditional and ongoing practice of harvesting ‘ōpae to be used in ‘ōpelu fishing.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish ʻōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-     State shrimp.  The ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, is established and designated as the official shrimp of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

Description:

Establishes the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that anchialine pools, also known as wai ‘ōpae, are considered wahi pana, or culturally sacred, special ecosystems in Hawaii.  Of the seven hundred recorded anchialine pools in the State, over six hundred fifty pools are located in the county of Hawaii, mostly in the districts of north and south Kona and Ka‘ū.

     The ʻōpae ‘ula is a species of shrimp endemic to Hawaii's anchialine pools.  The population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is an important indicator of the health of an anchialine pool.  In healthy anchialine pools, the population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is abundant.

     The legislature further finds that the designation of the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp will raise awareness of the ‘ōpae ‘ula and support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State as a natural resource.  In designating the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp, the legislature does not intend to prevent or impact the traditional and ongoing practice of harvesting ‘ōpae to be used in ‘ōpelu fishing.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish ʻōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-     State shrimp.  The ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, is established and designated as the official shrimp of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1,3000.

Report Title:

Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

Description:

Establishes the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the state shrimp.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that anchialine pools, also known as wai ‘ōpae, are considered wahi pana, or culturally sacred, special ecosystems in Hawaii.  Of the seven hundred recorded anchialine pools in Hawaii, over six hundred fifty pools are located in the county of Hawaii, mostly in the districts of north and south Kona and Ka‘ū.

     The ʻōpae ‘ula is a species of shrimp endemic to Hawaii's anchialine pools.  The population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is an important indicator of the health of an anchialine pool.  In healthy anchialine pools, the population of ‘ōpae ‘ula is abundant.

     The legislature further finds that the designation of the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp will raise awareness of the ‘ōpae ‘ula and support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State as a natural resource.  In designating the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp, the legislature does not intend to prevent or impact the traditional and ongoing practice of harvesting ‘ōpae to be used in ‘ōpelu fishing.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish ʻōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§5-     State shrimp.  The ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, is established and designated as the official shrimp of the State."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Wai ʻŌpae; ʻŌpae ʻUla; Anchialine Pool Ecosystems; Conservation; State Shrimp

Description:

Establishes the ‘ōpae ‘ula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 31

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    H.B. No. 345

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madam and Sir:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to designate the ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp to support efforts to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout Hawaii.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2025.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1730

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 345

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish the ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp to protect anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the State.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kuaʻaina Ulu ʻAuamo, Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, Keepers of Kalahuipuaʻa, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, and six individuals.

     Your Committees find that anchialine pools are culturally sacred, ecologically significant aquatic ecosystems which form when fresh and seawater mix underground and rise up through cracks  in lava near the coast-line forming an enclosed body of water.  Anchialine pools were historically a vital source of water and sustenance to Native Hawaiians and are now central to the revival of many traditional practices.  The health of anchialine pools is often indicated by the population of ʻopae ʻula, a native shrimp species.  Accordingly, this measure designates the ʻopae ʻula as the state shrimp to raise awareness of and support efforts to protect anchialine pools as a valuable limited natural resource.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by inserting an effective date of June 6, 2944, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Agriculture and Environment,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1088

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 345

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 345, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force; and five individuals.

     Your Committee finds that anchialine pools, or wai ʻōpae, are ecologically and culturally significant ecosystems unique to Hawaii that serve as critical habitats for native species, including the endemic ʻōpae ʻula shrimp.  Designating ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp will raise awareness about the importance of anchialine pool conservation and the threats posed by invasive species, coastal development, and pollution.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical amendment for the purpose of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 345, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 345, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  365

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 345

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Culture & Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 345 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE SHRIMP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to designate the ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp to help protect the anchialine pool ecosystems in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Pacific Whale Foundation; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition.

     Your Committee finds that ʻōpae ʻula are an endemic species found in abundance in healthy anchialine pools in the State.  Your Committee also finds that anchialine pools are considered culturally sacred and should be protected.  Your Committee believes that this measure will raise awareness of the protection efforts of anchialine pools by designating ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp.

     Your Committee amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Culture & Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 345, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 345, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Culture & Arts,