Hawaii § 187A-2 - Powers and duties of department.

Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 187A-2 — Powers and duties of department., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 187A-2. Powers and duties of department.

The department shall: (1) Manage and administer the aquatic life and aquatic resources of the State; (2) Establish and maintain aquatic life propagating station or stations; (3) Establish, manage, and regulate public fishing areas, artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices, marine life conservation districts, shoreline fishery management areas, refuges, and other areas pursuant to title 12; (4) Subject to this title, import aquatic life for the purpose of propagating and disseminating the same in the State and the waters subject to its jurisdiction; (5) Distribute, free of charge, as the department deems to be in the public interest, aquatic life, for the purpose of increasing the food supply of the State; provided that when, in the discretion of the department, the public interest shall not be materially interfered with by so doing, the department may propagate and furnish aquatic life to private parties, upon such reasonable terms, conditions, and prices determined by the department; (6) Gather and compile information and statistics concerning the habitat and character of, and increase and decrease in, aquatic resources in the State, including the care and propagation of aquatic resources for protective, productive, and aesthetic purposes, and other useful information, which the department deems proper; (7) Enforce all laws relating to the protecting, taking, killing, propagating, or increasing of aquatic life within the State and the waters subject to its jurisdiction; and (8) Formulate and from time to time recommend to the governor and legislature such additional legislation necessary or desirable to implement the objectives of title 12. [L 1985, c 94, pt of §1; am L 1998, c 176, §7] Law Journals and Reviews Protecting Hawai`i's Fisheries: Creating an Effective Regulatory Scheme to Sustain Hawai`i's Fish Stocks. 29 UH L. Rev. 243 (2006). Mai Kēia Manawa ā Mau Loa Aku: Kānaka Maoli Governance Through Nearshore Fisheries Management in Mo`omomi. 45 UH L. Rev. 185 (2022). Previous Vol03_Ch0121-0200D Next

Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 187A-2

What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 187A-2 cover?

Section 187A-2 ("Powers and duties of department.") is part of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Hawaii. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Hawaii § 187A-2?

A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 187A-2" (Hawaii). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Hawaii law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Hawaii official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Hawaii attorney.

How does Hawaii § 187A-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Hawaii can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.