Committee backs SB2973 to ban jug-line rigs after witnesses show wildlife harm

SB2973, a new measure to prohibit jug-line and similar 'jug rig' fishing methods in state waters, cleared committee recommendation after testimony from state staff and multiple advocates.

DLNR staff said they stood on written testimony and noted concerns but welcomed discussion. Mike Nakachi of Moana Ohana described jug rigs as long leaders with floats and bait that act indiscriminately; he and other witnesses said jug rigs can and have caught protected species and offered examples from West Hawaii.

Jared Levitt urged the committee to reject DLNR’s proposed exemptions for homemade floats, saying those exemptions could allow disguised devices to remain legal. He submitted photographs showing dead oceanic white-tip sharks, an endangered species, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal and threatened sea turtles attached to jug rigs.

Why it matters: witnesses called jug rigs an indiscriminate method that can entangle and kill non-target and protected species. Supporters said prohibiting the method—rather than narrowly regulating gear—would protect marine wildlife and ecosystems.

Committee response and action: the chair recommended adopting clarifying amendments, including exemptions for conventional rod-and-reel bobbers used in hand-pull fishing, and referred the bill to the judiciary committee for additional review of language and enforcement considerations. The committee voted to pass SB2973 with amendments and to forward it for further consideration.

Next steps: if enacted, enforcement would primarily fall to DOCARE and DLNR in the field; committee members asked staff to consider who would respond to and monitor violations under the new prohibition.