The City and County of Honolulu is considering a bill that would ban shark tour operations, at least the shoreside businesses related to such operations. The text of the bill provides:
SECTION 1. Findings and purpose. The council finds that the oceans are used by city residents and visitors for numerous aquatic activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, surfing, canoe paddling, and snorkeling. The council further finds that sharks have great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for many Native Hawaiians. The council believes that shark tours, the practice of charging residents and visitors to venture into ocean waters to view sharks attracted by fish feeding, raises public safety concerns for ocean users, is disrespectful of Hawaiian culture, alters the natural behavior and distribution of sharks, and may be disruptive of ocean ecology and the natural environment. The purpose of this ordinance is to ban shark tour operations.
Chapter 40, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 1990, ("Prohibited Activities in the City") is amended by adding a new article to be appropriately designated by the revisor of ordinances and to read as follows:
Article ___. Shark Tour Operations Sec. 40-__.1
Definitions
As used in this article:
"Fish feeding" means to introduce or attempt to introduce into the ocean water any food or other substance for consumption by fish.
"Shark tour operations" means the maintenance of an office, the collection of a fee or other financial consideration, the distribution, marketing, or advertising of tickets for sale, or the conduct of any other business activity conducted by a person for the purpose of enabling customers to venture into ocean waters to view sharks attracted by fish feeding; provided that this term does not include educational or cultural expeditions or endeavors for which a fee is not required.
Prohibition. It is unlawful for any person to engage in shark tour operations.
Violation—Penalty. Any person who violates this article shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both.”
This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.
My earlier posts on Maui County's ban can be found here.
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