Report Title:

Fishing; Kaneohe Bay; Moratorium

Description:

Prohibits net fishing in Kaneohe Bay during mullet breeding season.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

637

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO MULLET FISHING.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that net fishing during mullet breeding season in Kaneohe Bay has gone unchecked for too long. If baby mullet, or pua are not allowed to grow to full maturity, it not only jeopardizes the livelihood of many fishers who depend on a consistent supply of mullet to feed local consumers, but it may also have irreversible consequences on an established breeding ground that is part of an ocean food chain that extends to and includes other commercially caught fish in Hawaii as well.

The legislature also finds that net fishing appears to be a major reason for the depletion of mullet in the Bay. Studies have shown the incredible efficacy of gillnet fishers that catch not only their intended prey, but also sea turtles, sea birds, marine mammals, and undersized fish not ready for market.

Thus, the State must act quickly in order to protect the mullet fishing industry - especially from net fishers in Kaneohe Bay. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a moratorium on net fishing in Kaneohe Bay during mullet breeding season.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, it is unlawful for any person to fish for or to take any fish by means of a net during mullet breeding season (December through March) from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

SECTION 3. Any person violating this Act shall be fined $        in addition to any other fine that may be imposed by law. Additionally, any fishing license issued to the violator shall be suspended for at least          and no fishing license shall be issued or re-issued to the violator for the same period, unless a longer suspension or a revocation of the license is provided by law.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall be repealed on April 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:

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