SB2535 would prohibit the harvesting of aquatic life from state marine waters for commercial aquarium purposes in Hawaii. The bill defines that term broadly to cover taking marine life for profit or livelihood for sale into the aquarium trade, where the animals are kept as pets or for ornamental display. It also repeals the existing statutory framework that currently authorizes aquarium fish permits and related export reporting requirements.
The measure includes explicit carveouts so it would not affect captive-breeding and aquaculture activities, special activity permits for scientific, educational, management, or propagation purposes, traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices, lawful taking of fish for consumption or bait, or lawful management of fishponds. It also amends related provisions governing the Ha`ena community-based subsistence fishing area and commercial marine dealer receipt requirements by removing references tied to aquarium fish permitting and reporting.
Impact
If enacted, SB2535 would significantly change Chapter 188 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes by creating a new prohibition on commercial aquarium collection in state marine waters and repealing sections 188-31 and 188-31.5, which currently govern aquarium fish permits and monthly export counts. The bill would eliminate the legal basis for commercial aquarium fish harvesting and associated dealer reporting, while leaving other marine resource uses intact, including subsistence, cultural, scientific, and aquaculture-related activities. It would also update the Ha`ena community-based subsistence fishing area provisions to remove aquarium fish permits from the list of regulated activities.
Sentiment
The bill text reflects strong support for conservation, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, reef resilience, and the state’s tourism economy, and the report title identifies it as part of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs package. No committee transcripts or votes are available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s findings and framing, the measure appears to be presented as a protective and sustainability-focused policy proposal rather than a compromise measure.
Contention
The main point of contention is the elimination of the commercial aquarium fish industry, which the bill characterizes as unsustainable and inconsistent with Hawaiian values. Opponents of the bill, if any, would likely focus on the economic impact to aquarium fish collectors, dealers, and related businesses, as well as the loss of an existing regulated use of marine resources. Supporters would emphasize reef conservation, climate resilience, protection of Native Hawaiian subsistence and cultural practices, and the need to prioritize in-state ecological and public benefits over commercial extraction.