Hawaiʻi Enacts Landmark Shark Protection Act on World Oceans Day

June 8, 2021

For Immediate Release

Hawaii Enacts Landmark Shark Protection Act on World Oceans Day

Today, as the globe celebrates the United Nations second annual World Oceans Day, Governor David Ige signed House Bill 553, Relating to Shark Protection, into law, making Hawaii state waters a marine sanctuary for the more than 40 species of sharks that frequent state waters. 

The bill, sponsored by Representative Nicole Lowen, and championed in the Senate by Senator Mike Gabbard, prohibits the intentional or knowing capture, killing or entanglement of any shark in state waters, bringing an end to shark trophy hunting charters, the take of baby sharks for the aquarium pet trade and the intentional killing or mutilation of sharks for their teeth, jaws or other parts. The bill does not criminalize the accidental capture and release of a shark if incidentally captured while lawfully fishing for other species. The bill also allows for the states' continued issuance of research, education and special activity permits. 

In 2010, Hawaii enacted the nation’s first anti-finning and shark fin sales ban, setting off a global initiative with 13 US states and territories thus far following suit. Scientists have shown that Hawaii's shark fin bill spared the lives of tens of thousands of sharks from cruel finning since its enactment, however, that measure didn’t explicitly apply to the capture or killing of whole sharks, as HB553 does. 

"We thank Governor Ige for signing this important bill into law. Sharks are key apex predators who are critical to our oceans health and resiliency, especially in light of growing negative impacts from climate change," said Rep Lowen

"Mano (shark), are not only important to our reef and ocean ecosystems, but are sacred aumakua (guardians) of many native Hawaiians. It is time we extend our Aloha to these guardians of the sea and afford them the protections they so need and deserve," said Senator Gabbard. 

Research has shown that reef shark population abundance has declined by upwards of 90 percent around the Main Hawaiian Islands. Globally, 71 percent of shark species are facing potential extinction. 

The bill, which becomes law on January 1, 2022, had tremendous support from local marine protection and native Hawaiian organizations including For the Fishes, Malamo Mano, Pono Advocacy, the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter and the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

For more information on World Oceans Day visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/oceans-day

For more information on Hawaii sharks visit: 

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/hawaii-sharks/shark-identification-guide/

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Inga Gibson, Policy Director
Pono Advocacy LLC
808.922.9910
PonoAdvocacy@gmail.com
www.PonoAdvocacy.com