Know the Rules/Laws & Rules/Revised Statutes
Revised Statutes
This archive summarizes proposals for changes to the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR) related to aquatic resources.
CBSFA Proposal
Key Details & Status
Kīpahulu, Maui (HAR Chapter 13-60.11)
Status: Scheduled for final approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) on December 7, 2023, after the public hearing was rescheduled to November 2, 2023.
Proposed Rules: Establishes boundaries, a 10 finfish/person/day bag limit, and restrictions on gear and species take for akule, ʻōmilu, kala, kole, moi, ʻopihi, ula (spiny lobster), ula pāpapa (slipper lobster), and native limu.
Miloli‘i, Hawai‘i (HAR Chapter 13-60.10)
Status:Final approval granted by the BLNR on June 9, 2022.
Key Changes: Reduced the pāku‘iku‘i (Achilles Tang) bag limit to zero per person per day until July 1, 2027, then increasing to five/day (minimum size 5 inches).
Mo‘omomi, Moloka‘i (HAR Chapter 13-60.9)
Status: Public hearings were held in August 2020
Proposed Rules: Establishes new bag limits, size limits, seasonal closures, and/or gear restrictions for uhu, kumu, kole, moi, spiny lobster, opihi, and limu. Prohibits night diving and SCUBA spearfishing.
Proposal
Key Details & Status
Ocean Stewardship User Fee (HAR Chapter 13-78)
Status: Scheduled for final approval by the BLNR on December 7, 2023 .
Purpose: Purpose: Implements a $1 ocean stewardship user fee to be collected by commercial vessel/watercraft operators from each passenger/customer.
Marine Fishing Licenses & Fees (HAR Chapter 13-74)
Status: Scheduled for final approval by the BLNR on December 7, 2023 .
Proposed Changes: Establishes a Nonresident Recreational Marine Fishing License (NRMFL), a Commercial Marine Vessel License (CMVL), and a Commercial Marine Dealer License (CMDL). Increases fees for several existing licenses (Bait, Mullet Pond Operator, etc.) from $50 to $100.
Non-Resident Commercial Marine License (CML) Fee Increase (Previous)
Status: Final approval granted by the BLNR on June 10, 2021, increasing the non-resident CML fee from $100 to $250 per year.
Proposal
Key Details & Status
Manini, Kole, Kala, Uhu, Pāpaʻi Kualoa (Kona Crab) (HAR Chapter 13-95)
Status: Scheduled for final approval by the BLNR on December 7, 2023.
Proposed Rules: Updates minimum sizes, bag limits, and commercial regulations for these key species. Commercial fishers for uhu and kala will have separate rules, including slot limits, daily bag limits, and a closed season.
Molokini Shoal MLCD & Day-Use Moorings (HAR Chapters 13-31, 13-230, 13-257)
Status: Scheduled for final approval by the BLNR on December 7, 2023.
Key Changes: Prohibits commercial activities without a permit and anchoring in Molokini MLCD. Establishes new tiered permit fees for commercial vessels (e.g., $1,500 to $6,000 for a two-year permit). Establishes a 2.5-hour maximum time limit for day-use moorings.
Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) (HAR Chapter 13-34)
Status: Final approval granted by the BLNR on June 10, 2021.
Key Changes: Amended boundaries to include the Kapo‘o tide pools (Old Quarry tide pools) and prohibits fish feeding within the MLCD.
Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve, West Hawaiʻi (HAR Chapters 13-60.4)
Status: Adopted by the BLNR on May 27, 2016.
Key Changes: Established a 10-year rest period (no-take) in the area to allow fish stocks to recover.
Lay Nets and Fishing Gear (HAR Chapters 13-75 and 13-60.4)
Status: Final approval granted by the BLNR on November 10, 2022.
Key Changes: Established an annual Lay Net Permit requirement and waived the $25 fee for Hawaiʻi residents and active-duty military. Required all gill nets and lay nets to be attended at all times.
Contact and Review Information
To review the proposed rules in person (by appointment only) or for questions, contact the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR):
- Email: dlnr.aquatics@hawaii.gov or DAR.Rulemaking@hawaii.gov
- Location: 1151 Punchbowl St. Room 330, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
- Hours: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except Holidays