THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2972
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO OAHU CORAL REEF RESTORATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that herbivorous reef fish species are essential to maintaining the health and resilience of state coral reefs. However, the legislature notes that the population of coral reef herbivores, while declining throughout the State, are especially threatened by the impacts of the high human population density of the island of Oahu.
The legislature recognizes that the department of land and natural resources has implemented the Holomua marine initiative in consultation with fisherman, cultural practictioners, and community representatives to address nearshore issues, including the decline of herbivorous reef species, and develop statewide strategies for the successful stewardship of nearshore waters. While the Holomua marine initiative has implemented and established several improvements to the well-being of nearshore ecosystems, the initiative has not yet adopted regulations pursuant to rules adopted by the board of land and natural resources for the island of Oahu that will recover populations of herbivorous reef species to levels that prevent seaweed from smothering the coral reefs.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to temporarily prohibit the nighttime spearing of any uhu or kala in state marine waters around Oahu, only until regulations that will recover populations of uhu and kala suitable for the recovery of coral reefs are implemented by the Holomua marine initiative of the division of aquatic resources.
SECTION 2. Chapter 188, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"[Underlined: §188- ] [Underlined: Uhu and kala; temporary restriction.] [Underlined: (a) No person shall intentionally or knowingly take by spearing after sunset or before sunrise any uhu (parrotfish, family Scaridae) or kala (bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis) in state marine waters around the island of Oahu.]
[Underlined: (b) The prohibition under this section shall remain in effect until the division of aquatic resources' Holomua marine initiative process implements new regulations that will recover uhu and kala populations to levels that prevent seaweed from smothering corals pursuant to rules adopted by the board for the island of Oahu. Upon the adoption of the regulations under the division of aquatic resources' Holomua marine initiative process pursuant to rules adopted by the board, this section shall be void.]"
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050, and shall be repealed on .
Report Title:
Fishing Regulations; Uhu; Kala; Spearing; Temporary Restrictions
Description:
Temporarily prohibits the taking by spearing of uhu or kala in state marine waters around the island of Oahu until the Division of Aquatic Resources' Holomua Marine Initiative process adopts applicable regulations. Effective 7/1/2050. Sunsets / / . (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.