THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
3014
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to wildlife.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the State's native and endangered species are an essential part of the State's natural and cultural heritage and require strong legal protections. Among these species, the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is given special protection under state and federal law due to population declines caused by human interaction and environmental impacts.
The legislature further finds that the handling of turtles by the public continues to occur despite existing penalties. In November 2025, a widely circulated video depicted an individually unlawfully handling a honu, sparking public concern and highlighting the problems of the existing enforcement penalties. Under existing law, the minimum fine for handling an endangered species may be as low as $250.
The legislature believes that stronger penalties are necessary to discourage unlawful handling and ensure meaningful protection for endangered turtles.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen enforcement efforts and confirm the State's commitment to the preservation of the State's endangered wildlife by increasing the fines for taking or harassing protected turtles in the State.
SECTION 2. Section 195D-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of:
(1) A misdemeanor for a first offense, punishable by a fine of [[Struck through: no]] [Underlined: not] less than $250 or by imprisonment of [[Struck through: no]] [Underlined: not] more than one year, or both; [[Struck through: and]] [Underlined: provided that if the offense involved a turtle, by a fine of not less than $2,500 or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or both; and]
(2) A class C felony for a second or subsequent offense and upon conviction shall be subject to one or any combination of the following:
(A) A fine of [[Struck through: no]] [Underlined: not] less than $1,000; [Underlined: provided that if the offense involved a turtle, a fine of not less than $5,000;]
(B) Imprisonment of [[Struck through: no]] [Underlined: not] more than two years; or
(C) Rehabilitative community service."
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. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Turtles; Honu; Take; Handling; Harassment; Fines; Increase
Description:
Increases the fines for taking or harassing protected turtles in the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.