Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1554 HD1 SD1 (ACT 222).

This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2024, clarifies and expands the authority of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to manage aquatic resources. It explicitly allows the department to adopt, amend, or repeal rules necessary for conservation, including size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions. Additionally, the law enables the Board of Land and Natural Resources to temporarily modify fishing rules in response to new data or technology without waiting for formal board action solely based on rapidly changing conditions. These changes aim to improve the department's ability to adapt management strategies for healthier fisheries and better resource protection.