SB16

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	16
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to aquarium fish permits.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a fundamental difference between "aquarium purposes" as defined in section 188-31, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and aquaculture research. The legislature further finds that aquaculture in Hawaii is a burgeoning local industry that will help the State achieve its food sustainability goals. However, the aquaculture industry in Hawaii may be limited by the definition of "aquarium purposes" because it unnecessarily requires individuals and organizations engaged in aquaculture research to acquire an aquarium fish permit. The legislature also finds that the ruling of Umberger v. Department of Land and Natural Resources further complicated the definition of "aquarium purposes", hampering Hawaii's aquaculture industry.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to support Hawaii's aquaculture industry by:

(1) Exempting aquaculture research from section 188-31, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

(2) Amending the definition of "aquarium purposes"; and

(3) Defining "aquaculture research".

SECTION 2. Section 188-31, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§188-31 Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes. (a) Except as prohibited by law, the department, upon receipt of a written application, may issue an aquarium fish permit, not longer than one year in duration, to use fine meshed traps, or fine meshed nets other than throw nets, for the taking of marine or freshwater nongame fish and other aquatic life for aquarium purposes.

(b) Except as prohibited by law, the permits shall be issued only to persons who can satisfy the department that they possess facilities to and can maintain fish and other aquatic life alive and in reasonable health.

(c) It shall be illegal to sell or offer for sale any fish and other aquatic life taken under an aquarium fish permit unless those fish and other aquatic life are sold alive for aquarium purposes.

The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purpose of this section.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Aquarium purposes" means to hold salt water fish, freshwater nongame fish, or other aquatic life alive in a state of captivity as pets, [~~for scientific study, or~~] for public exhibition or display, or for sale for these purposes; and

(2) "Aquarium fish permit" means a permit issued by the board for the use of fine mesh nets and traps to take salt water fish, freshwater nongame fish, or other aquatic life for aquarium purposes.

(e) This section shall not apply to activities conducted for aquaculture research. Aquaculture research activities shall be conducted in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the department.

For the purposes of this subsection, "aquaculture research" means the cultivation of and experimentation with aquatic organisms in a controlled environment for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes, including but not limited to breeding, growth, and health studies. "Aquaculture research" does not include activities conducted for the commercial sale or public exhibition of aquatic life."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Aquaculture; Aquarium Fish Permit; Aquaculture Research

Description:

Exempts persons engaging in aquaculture research from the aquarium fish permit requirement. Defines aquaculture research.

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

SB 16: RELATING TO AQUARIUM FISH PERMITS.

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