The legislation mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop and implement a permitting system to allow the use of drones for catching aquatic life. This system is required to detail application procedures, approval criteria, permit conditions, and penalties for non-compliance. An annual permit fee of $100, along with additional fees for processing and reissuing permits, is also outlined. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure that fishing practices using drones are regulated to prevent overfishing and ensure ecological balance.
House Bill 1347 seeks to amend Hawaii's regulations concerning the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in fishing activities. Previously, under Act 207 of 2022, the use of drones for this purpose was entirely prohibited near state marine waters. The new bill, however, recognizes responsible drone-assisted fishing as beneficial and aims to establish a regulatory framework rather than a total ban. It proposes to repeal the existing prohibition and replace it with a structured permitting system to manage drone usage in this context.
While the bill presents an innovative approach to drone usage in fishing, it may encounter pushback from environmental advocates. Concerns could arise regarding potential overfishing or disturbances to marine habitats caused by increased drone fishing activities. The bill sets a timeline for the implementation phase, including public consultations, which could also serve as a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns regarding this new regulation.