HI HB1135

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 187A-12.5 to establish new administrative penalty provisions specifically for violations involving stony coral and live rock damage or breakage.

Sets maximum fines of up to $2,500 per square meter for damaging or breaking three or more square meters of stony coral or live rock.

Sets maximum fines of up to $1,000 per square meter for damaging or breaking less than three square meters of stony coral or live rock.

Defines key terms: "breaking" as hitting or applying force to crack without separating; "damaging" as causing extensive injury resulting in irreparable harm or death; "stony coral" as native Hawaiian hard-skeleton invertebrate species; and "live rock" as rock or coral with visibly attached marine life.

Exempts penalties if damage or breakage is caused by emergency actions taken to avoid loss of life or serious bodily injury.