HI HB543

Establishes a mandatory "aquarium collecting white list" for each county maintained by the Department of Land and Natural Resources that identifies which aquatic species may be legally collected or sold for aquarium purposes.

Restricts white list species to those that can survive at least 180 days in captivity and demonstrate stable or increasing population trends based on official published studies.

Prohibits collection of endemic Hawaiian species and species that negatively impact reef ecosystems, such as herbivores that prevent algal control or cleaner fish essential to reef health.

Caps annual collection of any species in a county at the average annual collection levels from 2005-2007 based on department reports.

Imposes penalties of $1,000 per specimen for collecting unlisted species, with escalating fines up to $3,000 and 90 days imprisonment for repeat violations within five years.