Bill
GM 1171
Designates the dpae ula (red shrimp) as Hawaii's official state shrimp to raise awareness of anchialine pools and protect ecosystems, while preserving traditional dpelu fishing.
GM1171 — Summary of Act designating the Hawaiian red shrimp as the state shrimp (Act 071)
Overview
- Purpose: To designate the ‘dpae ula (Halocaridina rubra), commonly known as the red shrimp, as the official State shrimp of Hawaii. The designation aims to raise awareness of anchialine pool ecosystems (wai ‘dpae) and support their protection, while explicitly safeguarding traditional harvesting practices used for dpelu fishing.
- Enactment: Act 071, codified by HB345, HD2, SD1, CD1.
- Effective date: July 1, 2025.
What the bill does
- Establishes the species ‘dpae ula as the official state shrimp.
- Adds a new provision to Chapter 5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to formally designate the red shrimp as the official state shrimp.
- Recognizes anchialine pools as culturally sacred (wahi pana) and notes the ecological importance of the ‘dpae ula as an indicator of pool health.
- Clarifies that the designation is not intended to interfere with traditional harvesting practices of the dpelu fishery.
Key provisions and language highlights
- Section 1 findings: Emphasizes that anchialine pools are special ecosystems with at least ~650 pools statewide (primarily in north/south Kona and Ka‘u). Highlights the ‘dpae ula as an endemic species and a health indicator for pools.
- Section 2: Adds a new statute to designate the ‘dpae ula as the official state shrimp.
- Section 3: Indicates new statutory material will be underscored.
- Section 4: Establishes the act’s effective date of July 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Hawaii state government: Official designation codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes.
- Public and learners: Greater public awareness of anchialine pool ecosystems and the ‘dpae ula.
- Traditional practitioners: The bill explicitly states that the designation should not hinder traditional dpelu fishing practices.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced and signed in 2025; Governor’s message confirms signing on May 19, 2025 (Act 071).
- Official public record: GM1171 (Governor’s Message) indicates receipt of HB345 CD1 with the Act number 071.
- Implementation: The designation becomes effective July 1, 2025, enabling statutory recognition and related outreach/education efforts from that date forward.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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