HI HR177

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to post public signs informing the public that shark feeding is illegal and to amend administrative rules to enforce shark feeding laws.

Calls on commercial shark tour operators to immediately cease all shark feeding activities in violation of state and federal law.

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to monitor commercial shark tour operations to ensure compliance with state law.

Cites concerns that illegal shark feeding by tour operators has caused larger sharks to displace smaller sharks, increased shark sightings among ocean users and lifeguards, and disrupted the natural ocean ecosystem and native Hawaiian cultural practices.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be sent to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and registered agents of Hawaii Shark Encounters Inc., North Shore Shark Adventures Inc., Hawaii Shark Discovery LLC, and Pacific Paradise Divers Inc.