HI SB1037

Designates Limu Kala (Sargassum echinocarpum) as the official limu of the State of Hawaii.

Recognizes four endemic species of limu kala growing in Hawaii waters: S. echinocarpum, S. hawaiiensis, S. obtusifolium, and S. polyphylum.

Acknowledges limu kala's ecological significance as a primary producer in the nearshore marine food chain, habitat for marine creatures, and indicator of reef ecosystem health.

Recognizes limu kala's cultural and medicinal importance to Native Hawaiians, including use in traditional medicine, hooponopono conflict resolution, and protection of ocean voyagers.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.