HI HB998

Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to allow bottomfish fishing in six of the existing bottomfish restricted fishing areas where restrictions lack scientific evidence of environmental necessity.

Requires the department to amend its administrative rules on bottomfish management to include scientific evidence of environmental necessity as a criterion for restricting fishing areas.

Notes that bottomfish subject to Hawaii Administrative Rules are no longer being overfished and that current restrictions lack validated scientific basis.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.