Kauaʻi County Says NO to Commercial Aquarium Collection in Hawaiʻi

Commercial aquarium collection removes live reef fish and other marine life from Hawaiʻi's reefs for sale in the global aquarium trade. In 2017, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court halted the issuance of aquarium collection permits until environmental review requirements were met. While commercial aquarium collection has effectively remained prohibited statewide since then, the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is now advancing proposed administrative rules to reopen commercial aquarium collection in West Hawaiʻi while simultaneously evaluating the proposed reopening of commercial aquarium collection on Oʻahu through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.

These proposals come at a time when Hawaiʻi's reefs are already under immense and increasing pressure from climate change, land based pollution, habitat degradation, and other cumulative stressors.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Court of the First Circuit confirmed that the Board of Land and Natural Resources has the legal authority to prohibit commercial aquarium collection statewide, making this a pivotal moment for the future of Hawaiʻi's reef fisheries.

On July 8, 2026, the Kauaʻi County Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026-21, urging the Board of Land and Natural Resources to prohibit commercial aquarium collection statewide, or alternatively urging the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to enact a statewide prohibition.

The Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi Chapter helped mobilize community support by activating supporters to submit testimony. Surfrider testimony highlighting the ecological importance of herbivorous reef fish, the cumulative pressures already facing Hawaiʻi's reefs, the broader public benefits of healthy reef ecosystems, and the State's constitutional public trust obligations. During the 2026 legislative session, Surfrider also supported HB2101, which would have established a statewide prohibition on commercial aquarium collection.

While advisory, the unanimous adoption of Resolution No. 2026-21 sends a strong message that Kauaʻi supports healthy reefs, thriving reef fish populations, Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, and the long-term stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s public trust resources. Mahalo to Councilmember Fern Holland for introducing this important measure and recognizing Kauaʻi’s role in building statewide momentum toward permanently ending commercial aquarium collection. Surfrider will continue advocating for a statewide prohibition and science-based management that prioritizes resilient reef ecosystems for future generations.