Here are some bills up for consideration in the Hawaii House and Senate that may affect you. Be sure to make your opinions known to your elected officials!

HOUSE:

HB2162 - appropriation for opihi restoration
HB2378- coastal protection and access
HB2477 - prohibits sale of opihi
HB2687 - DLNR review of rules adopted after 01/08 (toned down right to fish bill)
HB2788 - permits for wetland/tidal area development
HB2828 - appropriation for super sucker in Kaneohe Bay
HB3174 - Would allow DLNR to adopt/ repeal rules to be consistent with fed fishery regs
HB3175 - affects catch reporting schedule
HB3176 - admin fines for damage to coral based on area damaged
HB3260 - bag limits for uhu and goatfish
HB3301 - designates Honaunau and Hookena as subsistence fishing areas
HB3330 - imposes bag limits on certain ornamental fish
HB3389 - prohibits commercial activities in MLCD's designated after 01/08
HB3391 - requires DLNR to assess/report status of Hawaii's aquatic resources
HB3435 - creates E Maui subsistence fishing area

SENATE:

SB2154 - creates pilot community conservation program within Maui DOCARE
SB2483 - establishes Hawaii Aquatic Stewardship Act and creates advisory group
SB2511 - (senate version of HB3435)
SB2638 - (senate version of HB2828)
SB2773 - (senate version of HB3301)
SB2871 - grants for makai watch and marine management advisory committee
SB3096 - (senate version of HB3174)
SB3097 - (senate version of HB3175)
SB3098 - (senate version of HB3176)
SB3219 - requiring commercial fishermen to report fish trapped in mesh nets
SB3225 - (senate version of HB3330)

For more information, contact:

Robert Shallenberger, Ph.D. Hawai`i Island Conservation Director rshallenberger@tnc.org (808) 885-1786 (Phone - Main Line) (808) 443-5404 (Phone - Direct) (808) 885-4219 (Fax)

The Nature Conservancy Waimea, Hawai`i P.O. Box 6600 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Suite H-140 Kamuela, HI 96743