STAND. COM. REP. NO.  373

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1016

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1016, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE TAKING OF MARINE LIFE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Clarify that a valid commercial marine vessel license satisfies the commercial marine license requirement for all persons taking marine life for commercial purposes aboard a licensed vessel; and

 

     (2)  Authorize any person providing fishing charter services to obtain a commercial marine vessel license.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, United Fishing Agency, and ten individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

 

Your Committee finds that currently, every individual on a fishing vessel must each have a commercial marine license to participate in a commercial fishing trip.  This requirement causes problems when part-time crew members are needed for a trip or when visitors are invited on board.  This measure would be more convenient and cost effective for Hawaii boat-based fishers by ensuring that everyone on board is covered under one license.  This measure also specifies that any person providing fishing charter services, whether vessel-based or shore-based, is authorized to obtain a commercial marine license.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1016, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair