Update on CARES Act funding for Hawai‘i’s charter fishing sector

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is seeking information from Hawaii’s Charter Fishing sector for the purposes of allocating funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R.784 – 116th Congress 2019-2020). A total sum of $4.3 million USD is allocated for eligible Hawai‘i fishery participants, which includes Tribes, persons, fishing communities, aquaculture businesses, commercial fishing operations, and seafood supply chain processors, dealers, wholesalers and distributors. Eligible applicants are those who have incurred, as a direct or indirect result of the coronavirus pandemic:

  1. economic revenue losses greater than 35% as compared to the prior 5-year* average revenue; or

  2. any negative impacts to subsistence, cultural, or ceremonial fisheries.

    *(Sec. 12005(b)) Entities that have been in business less than 5 years are still eligible for assistance.

To determine the economic value and appropriate allocation for the charter fishing sector, DAR is requesting that all charter fishery participants provide their information following the instructions below. Information may be submitted via email attachment using this form or by writing an email with the information requested on the form.

Due to the urgency of providing economic aid to fishery participants, DAR will accept submissions by email to [email protected] no later than Monday, July 27th 11:59PM HST. Those unable to provide their information will remain eligible to receive funding through the CARES Act, but may not be included in the sector valuation calculation.

Updated July 22, 2020.
Link to June 12 update.