HI SR82

Urges the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prohibit individuals from approaching within 50 feet of Hawaiian monk seals, except for licensed professionals providing aid such as first responders and veterinarians.

Notes that Hawaiian monk seals are one of the world's most critically endangered marine mammal species and require protection from human interaction.

Identifies that habituated seals have become safety risks to humans and suffered injuries from human infringement, including injuries from boat propellers and fishing hooks when accessing human food sources.

States that feeding Hawaiian monk seals causes them to beg more aggressively and become socialized to human interaction, with few options to reverse this behavior once established.

Requires transmission of certified copies to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.