Know the Rules/Laws & Rules/Administrative Rules
Administrative Rules
Explore the official rules that govern Hawai‘i’s aquatic resources and understand how they guide protection and sustainable use statewide.
Overview of the Administrative Rule Process
Administrative Rules are regulations created by the department through a thorough public review and hearing process, as outlined in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 91. The process begins when the department drafts a proposed rule or amendment. This draft is approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) to move forward to public meetings and hearings, and is then reviewed by the Department of the Attorney General (AG).
After that, the draft is presented at public meetings and hearings, where community members can provide formal testimony. The rule is revised as needed, then returned to the BLNR for final approval. It undergoes a final review by the AG, and once it is signed by the Governor and filed with the Lieutenant Governor, it becomes law.
The administrative rules listed below are provided for general reference only and are not official copies. Official versions can be obtained from any Division of Aquatic Resources or Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement office statewide, and may also be viewed in State public libraries.
Rules are organized by chapter number within each section, with titles provided to help you locate the one you need. Click any underlined title to view or download the rule. Some figures are presented in landscape format for easier on-screen viewing. All files are available in PDF to preserve original formatting.
Draft rules are on the Draft Rules and Public Notices page.
Chapter
Title
Chapter
Title
49.5
Chapter
Title
83
84
Samoan crab (repealed)
85
86.1
89
Spiny lobster and slipper lobster (repealed)
92
93