HI HB191

Department of Land and Natural Resources must develop and maintain an "aquarium collecting white list" of aquatic species for each county that are permitted to be collected or sold for aquarium purposes.

Species may only be added to the white list if they can survive capture, transport, and captivity for at least 180 days and have a stable or increasing population trend based on official published studies.

Collection of whitelisted species cannot exceed the average annual collection levels for that county during 2005-2007, and endemic Hawaiian species are prohibited from collection.

Violations result in $1,000 fine per specimen collected or possessed illegally; repeat offenses carry escalating penalties up to $3,000 fines or 90 days imprisonment.

Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights for subsistence, cultural, or religious purposes may be recognized through department rules; effective date is June 1, 2009.