HI HR179

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to enforce Hawaii Revised Statutes section 188-40.6, which prohibits any activity related to shark feeding in state marine waters, with the sole exception for traditional Hawaiian cultural or religious practices without commercial activity.

Directs DLNR to prohibit the operation of shark tours that involve feeding sharks or using attractants to attract and reward sharks for viewing purposes.

Requires DLNR to immediately investigate complaints of shark feeding violations and conduct routine on-site monitoring of existing shark tour operations.

Mandates DLNR to cooperate with federal agencies in enforcing the federal ban against shark feeding beyond state marine waters.

Requires DLNR to submit a report on enforcement actions to the Legislature no more than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2011.