HB 2459 Summary

• Prohibits shark tour operations that involve feeding sharks or using attractants to attract sharks for viewing purposes in state marine waters.

• Allows feeding of sharks only for traditional Hawaiian cultural or religious practices, and exempts incidental shark feeding from legitimate marine life harvesting activities.

• Defines "shark tour operations" as businesses charging residents or visitors to view sharks from boats or viewing cages, excluding educational or cultural expeditions with no fee requirement.

• Establishes penalties for violations including seizure and forfeiture of vessels, equipment, and state licenses/permits, plus administrative fines of $10,000 to $25,000 plus costs and attorney's fees.

• Requires signage on all commercial shark tour operation boats citing the law prohibiting food or attractants to attract sharks for viewing.