Senate committee advances bill to designate a state shrimp and outreach plan

House Bill 345, House Draft 2, to designate a state shrimp moved forward after testimony from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and a community group, and the committee voted to pass the bill unamended.

The bill, presented at the joint hearing of Senate committees on agriculture and environment and related committees on March 31, 2025, was introduced with the department supporting the measure and community groups urging protection and awareness for the shrimp’s habitat. Bridal Nielsen, speaking on behalf of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said, “We stand on our written testimony in strong support.”

Why it matters: supporters said a formal designation could raise public awareness and help protect endemic shrimp that live in fragile pools. Fisher, an advocate with Kua'aina Uluwamo, told the committee the organization helped bring the bill forward “on behalf of some of our Kua community members that help to protect these ankylene pools that house these endemic shrimp,” and asked lawmakers to “please pass this.”

During questions, Senator Kanuha asked how the department would educate the public if the designation is adopted. Nielsen replied the department would use existing outreach channels: “we put out a press release, different education materials. We have an [inkylai] pool inventory and monitoring program so we could incorporate some of the science… and also happy to work with Kuaaina and other groups.” Nielsen added the department was not requesting a new appropriation for education and would likely use existing programs and partnerships.

Formal action: the committee chair recommended passage unamended. Committee members recorded votes in favor; the chair announced the recommendation was adopted and the bill will move forward.

Next steps: the measure advances per the committee vote record and will follow the legislature’s regular process for bills passed out of committee.