H.R. 177 Summary

• Requests the Department of Education to explore offering educational courses leading to careers in the fisheries management industry, targeting fifth, seventh, and ninth grade school levels.

• Specifies courses should lead to occupations including Aha Moku Advisory Committee member, boat builder, boat captain, boat mechanic, business planner, Coast Guard officer, emergency response, fish cutter, fishery manager, law enforcement officer, marine biologist, and marine observer.

• Requires the Department of Education to submit a report of findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to all legislators by December 20, 2014.

• Acknowledges the historical and cultural importance of fisheries to native Hawaiian society and the ahupua'a land division system that ensured access to ocean resources.