HI SR70

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and NOAA to recognize the increasing threat ocean vessels pose to humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, citing increases in whale-vessel collisions from 1-4 per year (2001-2005) to 5-11 per year (2006-2010).

Requests amendment of federal regulations to increase the required distance between approaching vessels and humpback whales from 100 yards to 200 yards.

Proposes a 15-knot speed limit for all vessels within the sanctuary, with exceptions only when whales unexpectedly approach closer than 200 yards or during emergencies threatening passenger safety, requiring documentation in vessel logs.

Calls for increasing civil penalties for sanctuary violations from a maximum of $100,000 to $200,000 per violation per day.

Directs increased monitoring of whale-watching vessels for compliance and requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to report all whale-related accidents in the sanctuary.