HI SB1264

Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish limited entry commercial fisheries for state fisheries not subject to federal regulations when necessary to ensure sustainable fishing.

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 189-2 to add limited entry commercial fisheries as a management tool alongside existing restrictions like size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons.

Limits entry systems allow the department to control the number of commercial fishing participants or vessels for specific fish species while still permitting some commercial harvest.

Applies only to fisheries not regulated by federal authorities, distinguishing Hawaii's state-level program from existing federal longline fishing programs.

Effective date of July 1, 2050.