HI HR201

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to adopt rules enforcing the existing ban on shark feeding in Hawaii state waters (within three nautical miles of shore), which was enacted under Act 127 in 2002.

Requests rules prohibiting commercial use of shark cages or devices designed to place humans in close proximity to sharks for feeding purposes, and prohibiting shark tour operators from using public harbors and facilities such as parks, piers, docks, and ramps.

Directs rules to prohibit transportation of commercial shark feeding cages through state waters and requires stringent enforcement of the shark feeding prohibition.

Cites concerns that commercial shark viewing tours operating from Haleiwa Harbor alter shark behavior and distribution, increasing safety risks to humans and sharks, impacting shark populations, and affecting marine ecosystem health.

Requests that if DLNR declines to adopt such rules, the department should provide specific recommendations to the Legislature for revising applicable state statutes to improve enforcement and provide adequate deterrence against shark feeding violations.