HI HB1835

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to base any bottomfish fishing regulations on peer-reviewed scientific evidence and current stock status, with an environmental necessity demonstrated for each regulation.

Voids and renders unenforceable any bottomfish regulation that does not comply with scientific evidence requirements.

Establishes that federal annual catch limits for bottomfish apply in the absence of state regulations, and requires any coordinated state-federal management system to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Defines "bottomfish" as seven specific species including onaga, ehu, kalekale, ōpakapaka, ukikiki, hāpuʻu, and lehi.

Takes effect upon approval.