HUGE NEWS! House Bill HB 553 Was Signed Into Law

Year after year, so many of you have supported legislation to prohibit the purposeful killing of sharks in Hawai'i. We are so happy to tell you that it has finally paid off! Yesterday, House Bill 553 was signed into law! Specifically, the law will “establish an offense of intentionally or knowingly capturing, entangling, or killing a shark in state marine waters, and provides penalties and fines.” It won’t hinder research or pursue those who accidentally catch a shark while fishing. This law is intended to penalize those who have been purposefully killing and mutilating sharks in Hawai’i.

We are thrilled and incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to submit testimony in support of this legislative effort over the years. Mahalo!