Endangered Hawaiian monk seal given stronger protection under new Hawaii law

A bill seeking tougher penalties for anyone caught intentionally harming the Hawaiian monk seal, or other endangered Hawaii species, became state law this week.

Hawaii Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona signed Senate Bill 2441 into law, making the intentional harassing, harming or killing of a monk seal—or any endangered or threatened Hawaii species—a class C felony. The new Hawaii law extends punishment already imposed by violations of the federal Endangered Species Act, to include a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.

“Despite the protections provided by the federal Endangered Species Act, these animals continue to be at risk,” said Aiona, in a media release. “Hawaii is home to more than 300 endangered species and we all have an enormous responsibility to help protect our unique wildlife.”

Though the new law covers all Hawaii animals protected by the Endangered Species Act, stronger protection of the endemic Hawaiian monk seal was the primary goal of lawmakers who drafted the bill.

More: http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2010/6/9/endangered_Hawaiian_monk_seal_stronger_protection_law

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