H.B. 853 Summary

• Creates a new section prohibiting the knowing capture, taking, possession, abuse, entanglement, or killing of any shark species in Hawaii state marine waters, with misdemeanor penalties of $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and $10,000 for third or subsequent offense.

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

• Expands the existing manta ray prohibition to cover all ray species (subclass Elasmobranchii) and adds taking, possession, abuse, and entanglement to the prohibited conduct, with matching penalty structure of $500/$2,000/$10,000.

• Provides exemptions for special activity permits under section 187A-6, research permits not exceeding potential biological removal levels, department actions for public safety, and sharks taken in federally managed fisheries outside state waters.

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