HB 446 Summary

• Establishes a near shore fishing tour guide license requirement under Chapter 187A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, issued by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to qualified persons.

• License fee is 3% of monthly gross revenues or $200 per month, whichever is greater, with all proceeds used for licensing and enforcement administration.

• Licenses are valid statewide except in marine preserves, marine sanctuaries, and prohibited fishing areas under sections 188-34, 188-35, and 188-36.

• Licensed guides must possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain's license if using motorized vessels, basic first aid and CPR certification, and general liability and commercial boat insurance.

• Guides are exempt from commercial use permits for state boat launching ramps if they hold a valid license and gross revenues do not exceed $250,000 per boat per year, and are exempt from obtaining written permission to access beaches and shorelines outside restricted areas.