Public hearings proposed on rule to regulate sea cucumber harvest
The Department of Land and Natural Resources proposes to hold public hearings to adopt a new chapter under the Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) to regulate the harvest of sea cucumbers from state waters. Currently, all take and possession of sea cucumbers from state waters is temporarily prohibited pursuant to HAR §13-86, which was adopted through emergency rulemaking procedures. The proposed HAR §13-86.1 would establish more permanent protection of sea cucumbers by continuing to prohibit the commercial take of sea cucumbers for consumption purposes. The proposed rules would allow for a limited commercial take of sea cucumber for aquarium purposes, as well as limited harvest for personal, non-commercial use. The Division of Aquatic Resources will issue a formal Notice when public hearings are scheduled.