HI SB849

Prohibits intentional taking, harming, or killing of ʻIo (Hawaiian hawk, Buteo solitarius) and subjects violations to penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 195D-9.

Increases criminal penalties for first wildlife violations from a misdemeanor with fines of at least $250 to include fines of at least $250 or up to one year imprisonment.

Classifies second or subsequent wildlife violations as class C felonies subject to fines of at least $1,000, imprisonment up to two years, or rehabilitative community service.

Increases administrative fines for first violations from a maximum of $2,500 to $2,500-$5,000; second violations from $5,000 maximum to $5,000-$10,000; and third or subsequent violations from $10,000 maximum to $10,000-$20,000.

Increases per-specimen administrative fines for wildlife or plant damage from a maximum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000 or rehabilitative community service.