HI HB1155

Prohibits taking, harvesting, or possessing opihi from coastal areas, nearshore waters, offshore islets, man-made jetties, breakwaters, and designated marine protected areas statewide.

Prohibits harvesting opihi from below the waterline in all state coastal areas and nearshore waters.

Establishes closed seasons for above-waterline opihi harvesting from February 1-May 31 and September 1-November 30 each year; opihi harvested during open seasons may be possessed during closed seasons.

Establishes a complete moratorium on opihi harvesting on Oahu until June 30, 2017, except for constitutionally protected Native Hawaiian gathering rights and traditional practices.

Prohibits possession of underwater viewing equipment, opihi harvesting tools, and live opihi simultaneously within five feet of state marine waters.

Exempts the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission from these restrictions and excludes individuals exercising Native Hawaiian gathering rights as authorized by law.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit annual effectiveness and enforcement reports to the legislature from 2014 through 2017.