HI HB1017

Repeals section 188-58.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which currently prohibits taking or killing female spiny lobsters (ula), Kona crabs (ranina ranina), and Samoan crabs (Scylla serrata).

Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to regulate these crustacean species through administrative rules instead of statutory prohibition.

Enables the department to adopt more comprehensive and flexible management measures for these species through the transparent public administrative rule process under chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Exempts commercially aquacultured female marine invertebrates from the prohibition if they are not removed from their natural environment (provision being repealed).

Takes effect upon approval.