SB1262

Hawaii SB1262 limits the number of kala, nenue, and uhu fish that can be taken from Oahu waters and mandates population assessments.

Hawaii SB1262 aims to protect Oahu's coral reefs by limiting the number of kala, nenue, and uhu fish that can be taken from state waters. It restricts individuals to two kala, four nenue, and one uhu per day, with exceptions for commercial fishing permittees. The bill also requires the Division of Aquatic Resources to conduct population assessments of these fish species and report findings to the legislature. This measure seeks to enhance coral reef resilience by ensuring these herbivorous fish populations recover to levels necessary for coral health.