HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

414

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AQUATIC RESOURCES.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that international trade in coral, live rock, and other coral reef organisms contributes to the decline and degradation of reefs.  According to the Coral Reef Alliance, coral reef species are removed from the reef and traded in numerous domestic and international markets for use as curios, limestone, traditional medicines, live marine ornamentals, coral and "live rock" for aquaria, and construction materials.  The legislature finds that the United States is a primary consumer and importer of coral reef associated species for the aquarium, home décor, and jewelry industries.  Furthermore, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora states that the United States is the largest importer of live coral and reef rock, bringing in more than eighty per cent of the live-coral trade (more than four hundred thousand pieces a year) and more than half of the marine aquarium fish sold worldwide.  United States and other international demand for corals, coral products, and reef-associated species has drawn concern about the damaging effects on the health of coral reef ecosystems, other marine life, and the environment.

     The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the import of coral products into the State and the sale of coral products in the State.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 187A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§187A-     Sale, import, or export of coral products; prohibition.  (a)  It shall be unlawful to sell or offer for sale any coral product in the State, import any coral product into the State, or export any coral product out of the State.

     (b)  For purposes of this section, "coral product" means any product made from dead coral, including curios, jewelry, limestone and construction materials, cosmetics, medicines, and other novel commercial products."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Coral Products; Sale or Import; Prohibition

 

Description:

Prohibits the sale of coral products in the State and the importing and exporting of coral product.

 

 

 

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