Hawaii legislators introduce measures to protect sharks, rays

KAILUA-KONA — Save the sharks?

Most people are familiar with the slogan “save the whales” as well as the efforts behind curbing the whaling industry and limiting plastic pollution in oceans to help protect some of the world’s largest mammals. But a couple of state legislators in Hawaii believe sharks and rays are in equal need of protection.

Rep. Nicole Lowen, D-North Kona, and chairwoman of the House Environmental Protection and Energy Committee, introduced a bill that would make it illegal to knowingly kill, capture or abuse any variety of shark or ray in state waters.

Sen. Mike Gabbard, D-Kapolei, and chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee, introduced a companion bill in the Senate that would accomplish the same goals.

Both bills classify the crimes as misdemeanor offenses and include exemptions for research, cultural practices and public safety, according to a release sent out by the state Senate on Friday. If the legislation becomes law, penalties for a first offense would start at $500 and could stretch all the way to $10,000 for a third offense.

Read more: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2019/01/21/hawaii-news/hawaii-legislators-introduce-measures-to-protect-sharks-rays/