HI HB345

Establishes the ʻōpae ʻula (Halocaridina rubra), also known as the red shrimp, as the official state shrimp of Hawaii.

Designates this endemic shrimp species to raise awareness of anchialine pools (waiʻōpae), which are culturally sacred ecosystems with over 650 of the state's 700 recorded pools located in Hawaii County.

Notes that the ʻōpae ʻula population serves as an important indicator of anchialine pool ecosystem health.

Explicitly states that the designation does not prevent or impact traditional harvesting of ʻōpae for ʻōpelu fishing practices.

Takes effect on July 1, 2025.