REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY, TO ADOPT RULES TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL OCTOPUS AQUACULTURE.

This Senate Resolution requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to work with the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create rules banning commercial octopus farming. The bill aims to prevent potential harm to coastal ecosystems, water quality, and local fisheries by stopping intensive land-based and open-ocean aquaculture operations. It also addresses concerns about animal welfare, noting that octopuses have complex needs that may not be met in confinement, and highlights the cultural importance of native octopus populations in Hawaiian traditions. The measure allows research and educational activities involving octopus to continue while prohibiting commercial aquaculture.