SB 489 - Shark and Ray Protection

• Establishes new offense prohibiting knowingly capturing, taking, possessing, abusing, entangling, or killing sharks in state marine waters, with penalties of $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offense.

• Expands existing manta ray prohibition to apply to all ray species, and broadens prohibited conduct to include taking, possessing, abusing, and entangling in addition to capturing or killing.

• Allows administrative fines up to $10,000 per shark or ray violation, plus seizure and forfeiture of captured animals, commercial marine licenses, vessels, and fishing equipment.

• Exempts special activity permits under section 187A-6, research permits not exceeding biological removal levels, Department of Land and Natural Resources actions for public safety, sharks taken outside state waters and landed commercially, and self-defense situations.

• Preserves traditional and customary Hawaiian rights under state constitution and takes effect July 1, 2019.