Hawaii SB2972 prohibits spearing of parrotfish and bluespine unicornfish in Oahu waters to aid coral reef restoration.

Hawaii SB2972 amends Chapter 188 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to introduce temporary restrictions on spearfishing for uhu (parrotfish) and kala (bluespine unicornfish) in state marine waters around Oahu. The bill prohibits spearing these fish after sunset or before sunrise. Additionally, it bans the commercial sale of these fish on Oahu. These prohibitions will remain in effect until the Division of Aquatic Resources implements new regulations under the Holomua marine initiative process to restore uhu and kala populations, aiming to prevent seaweed from smothering corals.

Hawaii SB2972 prohibits spearing of parrotfish and bluespine unicornfish in Oahu waters to aid coral reef restoration.

Hawaii SB2972 amends Chapter 188 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to introduce temporary restrictions on spearfishing for uhu (parrotfish) and kala (bluespine unicornfish) in state marine waters around Oahu. The bill prohibits spearing these fish after sunset or before sunrise. Additionally, it bans the commercial sale of these fish on Oahu. These prohibitions will remain in effect until the Division of Aquatic Resources implements new regulations under the Holomua marine initiative process to restore uhu and kala populations, aiming to prevent seaweed from smothering corals.