Media Watch, Hawaii News Now, 10 June 2010
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii has toughened penalties against people who harm endangered species, in particular against those who would harm the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona signed Senate Bill 2441 into law Tuesday morning at the State Capitol. The law takes effect immediately.
“It was a community effort […] many, many other people stepped forward and said enough is enough. We need to make this a real crime. Hopefully other people will think twice about hurting and harming monk seals,” state Senator Gary Hooser said.
The new law adds additional punishment beyond the federal Endangered Species Act, imposing a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison on anyone who harms a monk seal. It also makes it a felony under Hawaii law to harass, harm or kill any endangered or threatened species. […]