If enacted, SB994 will amend Chapter 188 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to prohibit the intentional removal or fishing of uhu from state waters. This prohibition is designed to support the recovery of uhu populations and ensure healthier ocean environments. The potential positive effects include an increased population of uhu, which could lead to the stabilization of coral reefs, thereby benefiting other marine life reliant on these habitats. Moreover, this bill aligns with broader conservation goals aimed at protecting Hawaii's unique marine biodiversity.
Senate Bill 994 aims to address the significant decline of uhu, a Hawaiian parrotfish species crucial to maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii. The bill highlights the ecological role of uhu in controlling algae proliferation and promoting coral growth by consuming seaweed and dead coral. The legislature has observed a drastic reduction in uhu populations, with estimates suggesting a decline of 70% to 80% over the past three decades, which raises concerns about the sustainability of Hawaiian marine ecosystems.
While SB994 seeks to protect marine ecosystems, it may face opposition from commercial fishing interests and local communities that traditionally depend on fishing as a livelihood practice. As the bill does not include provisions for exceptions or a regulated catch, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the implications for local food security and economic impact. Balancing ecological conservation and traditional practices will be a point of contention during discussions on this bill.