HI HB869

Establishes a new offense of "taking a spinner dolphin" defined as touching, riding, harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, collecting, or attempting any such conduct toward a spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris).

Makes taking a spinner dolphin a class C felony with potential fines up to $50,000 in addition to other sentences imposed by the court.

Addresses concern that expansion of recreational ocean activities has continuously harassed Hawaii's spinner dolphins, which rest in shallow bays during the day and hunt at night.

Does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the act's effective date.

Becomes effective upon approval.