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Bill

Bill

SB 22

RELATING TO FISHERIES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii SB 22 addresses fisheries management but lacks publicly available details; deferred by two committees since 2025, suggesting unresolved policy concerns.

Re-Referred to WLA/AEN, JDC.
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Bill Summary · SB 22

Legislative bill overview

SB 22 is a Hawaii fisheries bill introduced by four state senators that has been under committee review since early 2025. The bill was deferred by both the Water and Land (WTL) and Agriculture and Environment (AEN) committees before being carried over to the 2026 legislative session, where it has been re-referred to the same committees for further consideration.

Why is this important

Hawaii's fisheries are economically and culturally significant, supporting both commercial operations and traditional Native Hawaiian practices. Legislation in this area can affect ocean resource management, food security, commercial fishing viability, and environmental conservation in the Hawaiian Islands.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of publicly available bill text: Without access to the specific provisions, it's unclear whether the bill addresses commercial fishing regulations, aquaculture, subsistence rights, marine protection, or licensing—each of which carries different stakeholder interests
  • Committee deferrals suggest complexity or disagreement: The fact that two relevant committees deferred rather than advanced the measure indicates potential concerns that remain unresolved
  • Possible conflicts between stakeholder groups: Fisheries legislation often creates tension between commercial fishing interests, environmental conservation advocates, and Native Hawaiian rights holders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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