HB 564 Summary

• Designates the ōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, as the official state shrimp of Hawaii

• Establishes this designation to raise awareness and support protection of anchialine pool ecosystems throughout the state

• Notes that over 650 of Hawaii's approximately 700 recorded anchialine pools are located in Hawaii County, primarily in North and South Kona and Kaʻū districts

• Declares that the ōpae ʻula population serves as an important indicator of anchialine pool health

• Specifies that the designation does not intend to prevent or impact traditional harvesting of ōpae for ōpelu fishing practices