HI HCR188

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to require commercial marine license applicants to submit copies of agency contracts for all foreign labor workers employed by the prospective licensee before granting the license.

Notes approximately 700 foreign workers in Hawaii's commercial marine fishing industry catch up to $110,000,000 worth of seafood annually but face vulnerability to labor exploitation.

Highlights that foreign workers often have passports held by boat captains per U.S. Customs requirements, limiting their access to legal services and labor protections.

Specifies that contract records should be retained only for record keeping purposes and applies exclusively to foreign labor workers' agency contracts.

Directs that certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.