THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2363
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to conservation outreach.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The Hawaiian monk seal, or the ilioholoikauaua, is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, and among the world's most endangered species.  The monk seal population is currently declining at four per cent annually and is estimated at fewer than one thousand two hundred individuals.  Food limitations, entanglements in marine debris, and human interactions including being caught as bycatch in fishing gear, mother-pup disturbance on beaches, and exposure to disease all threaten the remaining population. 

     In 2008, the Hawaiian monk seal was designated as the State's mammal to increase awareness of it as an endangered species with the hope that this awareness would result in increased protection and its repopulation.  Although the main Hawaiian island seals are a small population, they are a much healthier population and are slightly increasing in numbers rather than declining like the larger northern Hawaiian island population. 

     Two recent incidents of intentionally killed monk seals on Kauai and one on Molokai have brought attention to the human threat to the seals.  In September, a Kauai man plead guilty to shooting a seal in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act.  The man received a ninety-day jail term, one year supervised release, and a $25 fine.  Seal advocates and volunteers worry that such a light sentence sends the wrong message to Hawaii residents and visitors regarding the value of the Hawaiian monk seal. 

     The purpose of this Act is to improve outreach to Hawaii residents and visitors regarding the importance of the Hawaiian monk seal and other endangered Hawaiian flora and fauna.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 195D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§195D-    Conservation outreach; airport kiosks.  (a)  The department shall work in cooperation with the department of transportation to establish and maintain kiosks dedicated to conservation information in each State-owned airport. 

     (b)  The state mammal, as designated in section 5-12.5, shall be the dominant symbol on each kiosk.  Each kiosk shall include:

     (1)  Information on the State's unique and fragile ecosystems;

     (2)  Recommendations for visitors and residents on how to care for the State's ecosystems;

     (3)  Information focusing on the Hawaiian monk seal and how to behave if encountered;

     (4)  Both print and video information sources; and

     (5)  Information on applicable federal and state laws with regard to endangered species."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2010.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Conservation Outreach; Hawaiian Monk Seal; Airports

 

Description:

Requires the department of land and natural resources in cooperation with the department of transportation to establish and maintain kiosks at each airport with information on the State's fragile ecosystem and how to protect it.

 

 

 

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