THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2973
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FISHING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's marine life is fundamental to the cultural identity of the State and the health of its ocean environment. Marine species hold deep spiritual meaning for many communities, and the well-being of those communities reflects the balance and resilience of Hawaii's marine ecosystems. Protecting ocean life is critical to maintaining ocean ecosystems for the future.

The legislature further finds that jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods are non-selective fishing practices that pose significant threats to marine life. These methods frequently result in the hooking, entanglement, or injury of non-target species, including sharks and protected green sea turtles, and present a severe risk to endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and hawksbill sea turtle.

The legislature further finds that jug lines often become marine debris when they are lost, cut, or otherwise left in the ocean. Once in the water, this gear can persist for years, continuing to pollute coastal and offshore areas, damage delicate coral reefs, and pose a serious threat to marine life through entanglement and injury long after it is no longer in use.

The legislature notes that in September 2025, the department of land and natural resources reported the death of RS34, a two-year old female Hawaiian monk seal known as Moana, which was caused by a jug rig variant fishing method. Wildlife officials determined that the use of heavy pound-test line and buoyant jugs significantly increased the risk of gear loss and entanglement, resulting in fatal consequences for the Hawaiian monk seal. This incident shows the unsustainable nature of jug line fishing and its impact on non-target marine life.

The legislature determines that the continued use of jug lines and jug rig variant fishing methods is incompatible with responsible resource management and the State's obligation to protect marine wildlife for present and future generations.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources to begin the rulemaking process no later than July 1, 2026, to regulate or ban jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods.

SECTION 2. The division of aquatic resources of the department of land and natural resources shall begin the rulemaking process no later than July 1, 2026, to regulate or ban jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Jug Line Fishing; Jug Rig Variant Fishing Methods; DLNR; DAR; Rules

Description:

Requires the Division of Aquatic Resources of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to begin the rulemaking process no later than 7/1/2026 to regulate or ban jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

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