Hawaii § 188-31 - Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes.
Full text of Hawaii Hawaii Revised Statutes § 188-31 — Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 188-31. Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes.
(a) Except as prohibited by law, the department, upon receipt of a written application, may issue an aquarium fish permit, not longer than one year in duration, to use fine meshed traps, or fine meshed nets other than throw nets, for the taking of marine or freshwater nongame fish and other aquatic life for aquarium purposes. (b) Except as prohibited by law, the permits shall be issued only to persons who can satisfy the department that they possess facilities to and can maintain fish and other aquatic life alive and in reasonable health. (c) It shall be illegal to sell or offer for sale any fish and other aquatic life taken under an aquarium fish permit unless those fish and other aquatic life are sold alive for aquarium purposes. The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purpose of this section. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Aquarium purposes" means to hold salt water fish, freshwater nongame fish, or other aquatic life alive in a state of captivity as pets, for scientific study, or for public exhibition or display, or for sale for these purposes; and (2) "Aquarium fish permit" means a permit issued by the board for the use of fine mesh nets and traps to take salt water fish, freshwater nongame fish, or other aquatic life for aquarium purposes. [L 1953, c 124, §§1, 2, 3; RL 1955, §21-64; am L 1961, c 30, §§1, 2 and c 132, §2; HRS §188-31; am L 1979, c 154, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1992, c 96, §2] Case Notes Commercial aquarium collection under this section and the department of land and natural resources' administrative rules is subject to the requirements of the Hawaii environmental policy act. 140 H. 500, 403 P.3d 277 (2017). Previous Vol03_Ch0121-0200D Next
Source: official Hawaii text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii § 188-31
What does Hawaii Revised Statutes § 188-31 cover?
Section 188-31 ("Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes.") 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 § 188-31?
A common citation format is "Hawaii Revised Statutes § 188-31" (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 § 188-31 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.