HI HB1388

Requires persons taking or harvesting opihi (Hawaiian limpet species) to wear a flotation device, protective footwear, and use brightly colored rope at least 200 feet in length visible in the water.

First offense results in a $100 fine and confiscation of all opihi taken or harvested by the offender.

Second offense results in a $100 fine and confiscation of all opihi taken or harvested by the offender and any accompanying persons.

Third or subsequent offenses result in up to 30 days imprisonment and confiscation of all opihi taken or harvested by the offender and any accompanying persons.

Directs the department to adopt rules to implement the safety requirements and defines opihi as four Hawaiian species (blackfoot, yellowfoot, koele, and greenfoot) and protective footwear as water shoes or fishing shoes.