HI HB635

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 188-31 to require an aquarium fish permit for taking aquatic life for aquarium purposes.

Establishes administrative fines of not less than $500 and not more than $2,000 for each individual saltwater fish, freshwater nongame fish, or aquatic specimen taken without a valid permit.

Permits violators to be assessed additional administrative fees and costs, and attorney's fees and costs in addition to the per-fish fines.

Defines "aquarium purposes" as holding fish or aquatic life alive in captivity as pets, for scientific study, public exhibition, or for sale for these purposes.

Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.