HI HB1018

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules establishing a permit system for the use and possession of lay nets in Hawaii.

Permits shall include reasonable fees and provisions for revocation, suspension, and withholding of permits for noncompliance with lay net rules.

Addresses illegal and irresponsible lay net use that continues despite existing regulations on dimensions, mesh size, soak time, location, and other specifications.

Adds lay net permitting as a new category (item 4) within the department's existing rulemaking authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 187A-5.

Takes effect upon approval.