Division of Aquatic Resources

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a statewide online public hearing January 21, 2021 on the proposed amendment of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) §13-74, License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products. The primary amendment would modify HAR §13-74-20 (Commercial marine license) to increase the Commercial Marine License (CML) fee for non- residents from $100 to $250 per year.

HAR §13-74-1 (Definitions) defines a “resident” as “an individual that has established the individual’s primary residence and worked in the State continuously for a period of twelve months or longer immediately prior to applying for, or obtaining a license or permit, or has filed or paid the individual’s State income taxes for the previous tax period.” Currently, DLNR charges an annual fee of $100 per CML regardless of an applicant’s residency.

The proposed amendments also include a number of non-substantive “housekeeping” rule amendments to provide clarification on baitfish species authorized for take under a baitfish license, and to remove unnecessary rule language.

All interested persons may view the Public Hearing on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpGVbR8IMi1hnPksQeSVUZA

Interested persons are also urged to participate in the statewide on-line public hearing on January 21, 2021 at 5:30p. There are two ways to participate: by written testimony or by live video testimony.

Written testimony: Persons can also mail or email written testimony by January 28, 2021 to the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Live video testimony: To be put on the list for live video testimony please email your request. Please include your email, full name and phone number and a confirmation will be sent to you with instructions and the meeting link.

Anyone with a hearing impairment who desires to testify, may request assistance of a sign language interpreter. The request will need to be received at least seven days before the hearing is scheduled to start. Additional information or a copy of the proposed rules will be mailed at no charge upon receipt of verbal or written request. The requests may be made in writing (to the DAR address in the preceding paragraph), or by calling 587-0100 (voice or TDD) in Honolulu.

The proposed rule drafted in Ramseyer format can be viewed here.