HI HB1959

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 188-40.5 to make harvesting, landing, or possessing shark fins a misdemeanor offense, with criminal fines of $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offense.

Prohibits possession of detached shark fins unless the fins were taken from a shark landed whole in the State, clarifying that "whole" means the entire shark with head and flesh intact (allowing removal of blood, internal organs, and tail at sea).

Increases civil administrative penalties from a single fine of $5,000-$15,000 to include seizure and forfeiture of shark fins, commercial marine licenses, vessels, and fishing equipment, plus assessment of administrative fees, costs, and attorney's fees.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that shark fins were taken in violation of the law if the total weight of fins exceeds five percent of the total weight of shark carcasses landed or found on board a vessel.

Clarifies that "land" or "landed" means bringing shark or any part thereof to shore in Hawaii, and deposits all collected fines, fees, and forfeited property to the state general fund.