Hawaii - First State to Enact Shark Fin Law
(Dive Travel Business News - May 31, 2010) -- Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii has signed a landmark bill that prohibits the possession, sale, trade or distribution of shark fins, an ingredient in expensive shark fin soup served in Asian restaurants.
The Act, which takes effect July 1, 2010, gives restaurants in Hawaii until July 2011 to dispose of stocks of shark fins. Thereafter, those in violation of the Act will face fines ranging to $15,000 for a first offense. A second offense provides for fines from $15,000 to $35,000, and shark fins, commercial marine licenses, vessels, fishing equipment, or other property involved in the violation will be subject to seizure and forfeiture. Penalties for a third offense provides for fines from $35,000 to $50,000, seizure and forfeiture as above, plus a year in jail.
See also: Hawaii Senator Introduces Bill Banning Sale of Shark Fins
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