HB1339 Summary

• Prohibits knowingly capturing, killing, or taking any shark within state marine waters, with criminal penalties of $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offense.

• Establishes administrative fines up to $10,000 per shark taken in violation, plus seizure and forfeiture of captured sharks, commercial marine licenses, vessels, and fishing equipment.

• Amends existing manta ray protection statute to add consistent penalties ($500/$2,000/$10,000) and administrative fines matching shark provisions.

• Exempts Native Hawaiian traditional and cultural gathering rights, special activity permits under biological removal limits, department actions for public safety, acts outside state waters, and self-defense from attacks.

• Effective upon approval and applies penalties per shark or manta ray captured, killed, or taken in violation.