HI SR136

Requests state and county departments and agencies establish guidelines before implementing ordinances or rules that restrict subsistence fishing.

Requires public disclosure of four key items before passing restrictions: data collection methods (including abnormal conditions like COVID-19 or natural disasters), accurate numbers, methodology for determining sustainable versus unsustainable species status, and plans to increase biomass with accompanying mitigation efforts and time limits.

Directs departments and agencies to generate a report containing clear methods and guidelines for subsistence fishing rulemaking and post it in an accessible format on their websites.

Expresses concern that recent ocean resource protection rules have had unintended consequences on subsistence fishers and that restrictions should be a last resort, with other mitigation options explored first.

Requires certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairperson, and chairs of the Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai County Councils.