Statewide Public Meetings for Commercial Marine License Fee Increase

Commercial Fishing Boat. Big Island Now Stock Photo

There will be statewide public hearings on the proposed administrative rule amendment that would increase the annual commercial marine license fees from $50/year to $100/year initially, then to $150/year on Jan. 1, 2018.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources will host the meetings and says the Jan. 1 date may be delayed until later in the year, depending on when the rules are approved. The DAR says the proposed rules would also establish a reporting deadline for dealers who buy marine life directly from commercial fishers.

“Commercial license fees haven’t increased in nearly 20 years,” said DAR administrator Bruce Anderson. “We’re updating the fee schedule to reflect current and future needs. Increased revenues from these fees will offset losses in revenues from non-resident fees for on-going operational expenses and to add new on-line reporting and licensing options to our website to better serve the fishing public.”

The hearings will be held at the following times and locations:

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017
MOLOKA‘I – Mitchell Pau‘ole Center Conference Room, 90 Ainoa Street, Kaunakakai, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29, 2017
O‘AHU – Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria, 1202 Prospect Street, Honolulu, 6 to 9 p.m..
LANA‘I – Lāna‘i High/Elementary School Cafeteria, 555 Fraser Avenue, Lāna‘i City, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017
HILO – Hawai‘i County Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 101, Hilo, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
KONA – Honokohau Harbor Big Game Fishing Clubhouse, Kailua-Kona, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017
MAUI – Maui Waena School Cafeteria, 795 Onehe‘e Street, Kahului, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017
KAUA‘I – Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Cafeteria, Lihue, 4431 Nuhou Street, 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017
KAUA‘I – Kapa‘a Elementary School, 4886 Kawaihau Road, Kapa‘a, 6 to 9 p.m.

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing to present relevant information and individual opinion for the DLNR to consider. Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments, may mail written testimony by Friday, Oct. 13, 2017 to the Division of Aquatic Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, HI 96813.

To view the draft rule, go to the Division of Aquatic Resources website.