HB 590 Summary

• Establishes an aquarium collecting white list system for each county to regulate collection of aquatic species for aquarium purposes, prohibiting collection of unlisted species.

• Requires species on the white list to meet criteria including surviving at least 180 days in captivity, maintaining stable or increasing population trends, and not being endemic to Hawaii.

• Limits annual collection of each species to the average collected during 2005-2007 and prohibits collection of species that negatively impact reef ecosystems (such as herbivores contributing to algae overgrowth or cleaner fish affecting parasite loads).

• Imposes escalating penalties including $1,000 per specimen fine, plus criminal sentences ranging from 30 days imprisonment and $1,000 fine for first offense to 90 days imprisonment and $3,000 fine for third or subsequent violations within five years.

• Takes effect June 1, 2011.