HI HCR208

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to assess the environmental impact of jug line fishing in Hawaii's waters and adopt administrative rules under Chapter 91 to address any concerns identified.

Jug line fishing uses floating devices to suspend baited hooks offshore and can be left largely unattended, making it a passive, non-selective method that threatens non-target species including sharks, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and hawksbill sea turtles.

Cites the September 2025 death of RS34 "Moana," a two-year-old female Hawaiian monk seal killed by entanglement in jug line fishing gear, as evidence of the practice's danger to protected wildlife.

Notes that lost or abandoned jug lines become persistent marine debris that damages coral reefs and continues to entangle marine life for years.

Requires transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.