HI SB2079

Establishes a new section creating criminal misdemeanor penalties for knowingly capturing, taking, possessing, abusing, or entangling any shark (alive or dead) or killing any shark in state marine waters, with fines of $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offense.

Imposes additional administrative fines of up to $10,000 per shark violation, plus seizure and forfeiture of captured sharks, commercial marine licenses, vessels, and fishing equipment, with assessment of administrative and attorney's fees.

Expands existing manta ray protection to cover all ray species, applying the same prohibitions and penalties structure (misdemeanor with $500/$2,000/$10,000 fines) and administrative consequences.

Exempts special activity permits under section 187A-6, research permits that do not exceed potential biological removal levels, DLNR actions for public safety, and sharks taken outside state waters under federal fisheries management.

Preserves traditional and customary rights protected under article XII, section 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution.