HI HR33

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prohibit individuals from approaching within fifty feet of a Hawaiian monk seal, except for licensed professionals qualified to provide aid such as first responders and veterinarians.

Identifies the Hawaiian monk seal as one of the world's most critically endangered marine mammal species requiring protection through limited human interaction.

Notes that habituated seals have become safety risks to humans and suffered injuries from human infringement, and that feeding seals by people causes them to beg more aggressively and risk injuries from boat propellers and fishing hooks.

Cites that Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, which make harassment illegal under federal law, and that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration encourages maintaining safe distance from the seals.

Requires transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.