HI SB2973

Prohibits jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods in Hawaii state waters, banning devices that use buoyant jugs, bottles, or flotation devices to suspend fishing lines with hooks and weights

Possession of prohibited jug line devices on, in, or near water where aquatic life can be taken, or aboard fishing vessels, constitutes prima facie evidence of a violation

Exempts store-bought or homemade fishing floats and bobbers used with rod and reel or hand-pole fishing from the prohibition

Motivated by the September 2025 death of RS34 (Moana), a two-year-old female Hawaiian monk seal killed by entanglement in jug rig fishing gear

Aims to protect endangered species including Hawaiian monk seals and hawksbill sea turtles, reduce marine debris, and prevent harm to non-target species like sharks and green sea turtles; effective July 1, 2050