HI HB49

Prohibits keeping cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) in captivity for display, performance, or entertainment purposes in Hawaii

Allows exceptions for cetaceans held by bona fide educational or scientific institutions that cannot be released into the wild, and for animals already in captivity before the Act takes effect

Bans breeding or impregnating captive cetaceans, importing/exporting cetacean genetic material for artificial insemination, and transporting captive cetaceans out of state

Permits temporary custody of cetaceans by educational/scientific institutions for rehabilitation after rescue or stranding, or for research purposes

Violations constitute a misdemeanor with fine amount to be determined; organizations acquiring cetaceans must notify the Department of Land and Natural Resources