HI HB1336

Prohibits the Department of Land and Natural Resources from establishing restricted fishing areas where bottomfish fishing or taking is prohibited.

Defines bottomfish to include seven species: onaga, ulaula, kalekale, opakapaka, ukikiki, hapuupu, and lehi.

Cites recent stock assessments showing bottomfish are neither overfished nor subject to overfishing, with no evidence that restricted areas reduce mortality rates.

Repeals the July 1998 bottomfish restricted fishing area policy established in response to previous federal concerns about overfishing.

Takes effect upon approval.