HI HB365

Prohibits any person from engaging in aquaculture activities involving the propagation, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of octopus species for human consumption in Hawaii.

Defines "aquaculture activities" to include the use of land-based recirculating aquaculture systems.

Exempts wild-caught octopuses and octopuses propagated, cultivated, maintained, or harvested solely for research purposes from the prohibition.

Legislature finds that octopus farming poses risks of disease transmission to marine environments through pathogens such as coccidial parasites, ichthyobodo protozoa, vibrio bacteria, and dicyemid mesozoans.

Legislature identifies ethical concerns regarding octopus farming due to the animals' advanced cognitive abilities and potential stress from inadequate living conditions and confinement.