HI HB1780

Prohibits any person from knowingly or intentionally selling or offering to sell aquatic life taken from Hawaii waters for aquarium purposes.

Establishes criminal penalties including fines up to $1,000 and 30 days imprisonment for first offense; fines up to $2,000 and 60 days for second offense within 5 years; fines up to $3,000 and 90 days for third or subsequent offense within 5 years.

Imposes additional penalties including administrative fines up to $1,000 per specimen sold, seizure and forfeiture of aquatic life specimens and equipment, and recovery of administrative and attorney fees.

Exempts customary and traditional native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence/human consumption collection from the prohibition.

Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources to submit annual reports on enforcement effectiveness to the legislature and increases fish replenishment area protections in West Hawaii from 30% to 100% of coastal waters with prohibition on aquarium fish collection.