THE SENATE S.B. NO. 2480 THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to coral. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
THE SENATE S.B. NO. 2480
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2480
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to coral.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's coral reefs are vital to the State's marine ecosystems and are home to many endemic and native species. Designated as the official gem of the State by Act 9, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987, black coral played a significant role in marketing campaigns showcasing Hawaii's beauty. The promotion of black coral led tourists and residents alike to covet black coral jewelry, curios, and other products to embrace as treasured family heirlooms or gifts that represent Hawaii's natural beauty. However, the long-term promotion of Hawaii and its natural resources, including black coral, has led to increased commercial use of coral, contributing to the decline and degradation of the State's coral reefs. The legislature further finds that the overharvesting of coral has led to concerns that, while legally protected, the sale, import, and export of coral jewelry in the State continues to threaten coral reefs and reef ecosystems in Hawaii. While the legislature attempted to address overharvesting of coral in H.B. No. 1988, H.D. 2, S.D. 3 (2022), the ongoing marketing and promotion of black coral as the official state gem to both tourists and residents must be addressed to prevent further harm to vital coral reefs and reef ecosystems in the State's waters. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to remove the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State. SECTION 2. Section 5-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed. ["[§5-15] State gem. The black coral is established and designated as the official gem of the State."] SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's coral reefs are vital to the State's marine ecosystems and are home to many endemic and native species. Designated as the official gem of the State by Act 9, Session Laws of Hawaii 1987, black coral played a significant role in marketing campaigns showcasing Hawaii's beauty. The promotion of black coral led tourists and residents alike to covet black coral jewelry, curios, and other products to embrace as treasured family heirlooms or gifts that represent Hawaii's natural beauty. However, the long-term promotion of Hawaii and its natural resources, including black coral, has led to increased commercial use of coral, contributing to the decline and degradation of the State's coral reefs.
The legislature further finds that the overharvesting of coral has led to concerns that, while legally protected, the sale, import, and export of coral jewelry in the State continues to threaten coral reefs and reef ecosystems in Hawaii. While the legislature attempted to address overharvesting of coral in H.B. No. 1988, H.D. 2, S.D. 3 (2022), the ongoing marketing and promotion of black coral as the official state gem to both tourists and residents must be addressed to prevent further harm to vital coral reefs and reef ecosystems in the State's waters.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to remove the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State.
SECTION 2. Section 5-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["[§5-15] State gem. The black coral is established and designated as the official gem of the State."]
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title: Black Coral; Hawaii State Gem; Repeal Description: Repeals the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State. The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
Report Title:
Black Coral; Hawaii State Gem; Repeal
Description:
Repeals the designation of black coral as the official gem of the State.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.