Bill Text: HI HB519 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 519 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Hunting; Hunter Education Program; Hunting Apprentice Permit; DLNR

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-12-17 - Carried over to 2016 Regular Session. [HB519 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-HB519-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	519
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relatING to hunting.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that hunting is a valuable component of Hawaiian culture. In order to carry on this tradition, hunting education should be more accessible to newcomers to the sport. Enhanced accessibility will allow the next generation of hunters to learn safe and responsible hunting practices. Accessibility may be achieved by providing an online hunter education program and establishing an apprentice hunting permit program.

The legislature also finds that online education classes are becoming more prevalent in society today. Making the hunter education program available online will provide convenience and flexibility for future hunters.

The legislature further finds that mentored hunting, also called apprentice hunting, allows a person to experience hunting prior to completing any required hunter education courses. Presently, more than half of states operate a mentored hunting program. These programs attract new hunters of all ages by allowing a prospective hunter to gain experience under the direct supervision of a seasoned mentor. These programs also allow for young hunters' earliest hunting experiences to involve active participation, rather than classroom hunter education courses.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of land and natural resources to:

(1) Make the hunting education program available online; and

(2) Issue hunting apprentice permits authorizing persons without a hunting license, including children age ten and older, to hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter.

SECTION 2. Chapter 183D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§183D- Hunting apprentice permit. (a) The department shall issue a hunting apprentice permit to any Hawaii resident age ten or older who:

(1) Has never been issued a hunting license or a hunting apprentice permit in the State;

(2) Submits a $15 fee; and

(3) Submits a written application in the form prescribed by the department; provided that an application on behalf of a minor shall be submitted and signed by the minor's parent or legal guardian.

(b) A hunting apprentice permit shall be valid for twenty-four months from the date of issue.

(1) Possess the hunting apprentice permit; and

(2) Be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is eighteen years of age or older.

(d) Successful completion of the hunter education program is not a requirement to obtain a hunting apprentice permit. A hunting apprentice permit shall not be in lieu of obtaining a hunting license.

(e) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."

SECTION 3. Section 134-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

1. By amending subsection (a) to read:

"(a) Any person of the age of sixteen years, or over or any person under the age of sixteen years while accompanied by an adult, may carry and use any lawfully acquired rifle or shotgun and suitable ammunition while actually engaged in hunting or target shooting or while going to and from the place of hunting or target shooting; provided that the person has procured a hunting license or a hunting apprentice permit under chapter 183D, part II. A hunting license shall not be required for persons engaged in target shooting."

2. By amending subsection (c) to read:

"(c) A person may carry unconcealed and use a lawfully acquired pistol or revolver while actually engaged in hunting game mammals, if that pistol or revolver and its suitable ammunition are acceptable for hunting by rules adopted pursuant to section 183D-3 and if that person is licensed or holds a hunting apprentice permit pursuant to part II of chapter 183D. The pistol or revolver may be transported in an enclosed container, as defined in section 134-25 in the course of going to and from the place of the hunt, notwithstanding section 134-26."

SECTION 4. Section 183D-28, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) The department shall establish a hunter education program, which may be completed in person and online, to provide instruction in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship. Upon successful completion of the program, the department shall issue to the graduate a hunter education certificate which shall be valid for the life of the person. This certification shall be rescinded by judicial action upon the conviction of a wildlife and/or firearms violation. No person shall be eligible for a hunting license unless the person possesses a valid hunter education certificate or meets the requirements for exemption provided in subsection (b)(2), and is either:

(1) Born after December 31, 1971; or

(2) Born before January 1, 1972, and has never been issued a hunting license in the State."

SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on January 1, 2016.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Hunting; Hunter Education Program; Hunting Apprentice Permit; DLNR

Description:

Establishes requirements for DLNR to issue hunting apprentice permits authorizing persons without a hunting license to hunt under direct supervision of a licensed hunter. Requires the hunter education program to be available online.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.