STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1207-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2101

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2101, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM COLLECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit the harvest of aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes, regardless of the method of collection, in counties with a population greater than two hundred thousand and less than three hundred thousand.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; two members of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi; FreediveSafe Hawaiʻi; Kihei Community Association; Hawaiian Humane Society; Puako for Reefs; Ka Ohana O Na Pua; Fair Wind Cruises; Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science; Moana ʻOhana; Hui Aloha Kīholo; Chamber of Sustainable Commerce; Big Island Reef Keepers Hui; Friends of Hanauma Bay; Pacific Academy of Music; Clean the Pacific; Hoʻāla Kealakekua Nui, Inc.; Free Access Coalition; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Kalanihale; HULI PAC; ʻAʻole AQ Hui; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain; Snorkel Bob's; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Ruddle Ohana; Rights of Coral Reefs; Kupuna for the Moopuna; Earthjustice; The Nature Conservancy; Hawaiʻi and Palmyra; Hawaiʻi Island Group of the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Kiaʻi Kanaloa; Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force; Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Koʻolau Foundation; Animal Rights Hawaiʻi; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi; Biota Group; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Sustainable Reef Fisheries; The Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights Association; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee notes several issues raised in testimony that should be considered as this measure proceeds through the legislative process. First, questions remain regarding whether limiting the measure's applicability solely to Hawaii island is appropriate, or whether a broader statewide approach may better address the underlying resource‑management concerns. Second, testimony raised the possibility that allowing only previously permitted collectors to continue operating, while prohibiting the issuance of new permits, may provide a clearer and more enforceable regulatory structure. Third, concerns were expressed regarding the economics behind the pricing structure for permits and the retail sale of aquatic fish and whether this pricing structure is appropriate should this measure not advance in its current form.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2101, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair