STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2982

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2973

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2973, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FISHING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit the use of jug line fishing and other jug rig variant fishing methods in state waters.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kaimana Ocean Safari, Hawaiian Monk Seal Preservation Ohana, Kona Honu Divers, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center, Ocean Defenders Alliance, For the Fishes, Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, and fifty-nine individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from fifteen individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that jug line and jug rig variant fishing involve heavy pound-test line and buoyant jugs that increase the risk of gear loss and wildlife entanglement, leading to fatal consequences for marine life. In an especially disturbing incident, gear used for jug line fishing caused the death of a Hawaiian monk seal, which was one of only approximately one thousand six hundred remaining individuals of the species. The incident highlights the broader risk of harm to marine life from derelict fishing gear. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, derelict fishing gear, which includes equipment used for jug line fishing, poses a direct threat to marine life, even in protected marine conservation areas. By banning jug line fishing and jug rig variant fishing methods, this measure will protect nearshore marine ecosystems, uphold the State's commitment to environmental protection, and preserve vital natural resources.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2973, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair