Deep Dive: New Fishing & Boating Laws
The 2021 Hawai‘i Legislature session has ended, but the fishing and boating laws passed will have long-term effects. With much fanfare, Governor David Ige signed nine ocean bills into law on World Oceans Day, June 8th. Without covering the bait, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) resource, Chairperson Suzanne Case revealed the hook, which is Honomua: Marine 30x30 Initiative, a United Nations’ rollout for 30 percent of the world’s oceans to be off limits by 2030.
Governor Ige was ebullient, saying, “On this World Oceans Day, Hawai‘i again shows great leadership in grappling with the threats and challenges our precious marine environments face. I deeply appreciate the legislature’s support of these measures which collectively advance protection, management, and stewardship of ocean resources well into the future.”
Chair Case said, “I want to add our thanks to leadership in both the House and the Senate. This was certainly one of the most ocean conservation-oriented legislative sessions in decades, and these measures will bring us that much closer to realizing the goals of Governor Ige’s Honomua: Marine 30x30 Initiative.”
To read the House and Senate bills go to <https://capitol.hawaii.gov>. Here is a rundown on what the new laws mean for Hawai‘i’s fishermen and boaters:
Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License
H.B. 1023/S.B. 1177: Recreational marine fishing license
