Shark fishing will be illegal in Hawaiʻi waters starting in 2022.
Act 51 passed in the last legislative session and made it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle or kill any species of shark in state marine waters.
There are exceptions:
- people with special activity permits issued by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources
- shark fishing for public safety purposes as authorized or conducted by DLNR
- sharks taken outside of state marine waters, with required documentation
- sharks captured, entangled, or killed for self-defense or the defense of another
- sharks captured or killed according to a permit issued by DLNR
According to the statute, DLNR may adopt administrative rules to implement the new law, including but not limited to:
- ensuring that the incidental capture and release of sharks while targeting other species is not a violation
- preventing the wanton waste of sharks
- limiting gear, such as gill nets, in areas identified as shark nursery habitats
According to Act 51, the conditions of non-commercial permits for the take of sharks “shall include native Hawaiian cultural protocol, size and species restrictions, and a prohibition on species listed as endangered or threatened.”
The DLNR recommends people avoid fishing in areas known to be frequented by sharks and use barbless circle hooks.
Violating the law is only a misdemeanor, but carries a $500 fine for the first offense, a $2,000 fine for the second offense, and a $10,000 fine for a third and subsequent offenses.
Those breaking the law could face additional fines and fees, as well as seizure and forfeiture of any captured sharks and equipment.
