HI HR160

Requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish a working group to provide recommendations on managing commercial aquarium fish collection.

Directs the working group to develop recommendations for a limited entry permit program, bag limits, separate permits for commercial fishing versus aquarium fish taking, and appropriate fee structures.

Requires the working group to identify enforcement issues, explore measures to maintain sustainability levels and prevent overfishing expansion, and examine other pertinent issues related to commercial aquarium fish taking.

Specifies working group membership including the Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairperson (as chair), a marine biologist, conservation industry representative, fishing permit holders from West Hawaii and Oahu, and representatives from NOAA and the West Hawaii Fisheries Council.

Requires the working group to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2016 Regular Session convenes.