S.B. 2579 Summary

• Designates a community-based subsistence fishing area consisting of state waters and submerged lands within two miles offshore along the north coast of Molokai from Kalaupapa to Halawa head.

• Prohibits commercial fishing activities, commercial marine licenses, aquarium fish permits, and fishing with self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and spears within the designated area.

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to consult with Molokai residents, advisory committees, and interested parties to establish rules for the fishing area, including identification of customary and traditional Native Hawaiian subsistence practices.

• Mandates development of a management plan that describes specific permitted activities, monitoring processes, funding mechanisms, enforcement methods, and harvest limits for aquatic life in the fishing area.

• Takes effect upon approval and addresses declining nearshore fishery resources on Molokai caused by abandonment of traditional management, increased commercial fishing, and poor enforcement.