HI HB1143

Authorizes the Board of Land and Natural Resources to establish and modify hunting regulations (size limits, bag limits, seasons, gear specifications, and special conditions) without following Hawaii's standard administrative rulemaking process (Chapter 91, HRS).

Requires at least 30 days' public notice in a newspaper of general circulation and an affirmative board vote before implementing hunting changes, except in cases of imminent peril to public health and safety.

Allows the department to implement emergency hunting restrictions immediately in cases of imminent peril with public notice, without requiring the standard 30-day notice period.

Extends enforcement mechanisms to cover violations of hunting conditions adopted under this expedited process, subjecting violators to the same criminal penalties (petty misdemeanor fines and potential firearm forfeiture) and administrative fines as violations of adopted rules.

Responds to a 2007 court decision that limited the board's authority to make hunting-related decisions without formal rulemaking, enabling faster regulatory responses to changing hunting conditions.