Manta Rays are now protected in Hawaii! 
Manta Pacific Research Foundation Announces Act 092(09)
HB366 enacted into law
Honolulu, HAWAII - June 5, 2009 - Governor Lingle today signed House Bill 366 creating Act 092(09) establishing criminal penalties and administrative fines for knowingly killing or capturing manta rays within State waters.
This makes Hawaii the first state in the union to protect manta rays and it joins Mexico, the Philippines, and Yap in protecting these animals. House Bill 366, and it's companion Senate Bill 394, were introduced by Representative Denny Coffman and Senator Josh Green respectively in January of this year. Many more representatives and senators signatures were on the initial versions of the Bills introduced to the legislature. After passing through several committee readings in first the House and then the Senate, some modifications to the original text, and testimony submitted from supporters world wide, HB366 is now an Act of law.
Manta Pacific Research Foundation (MPRF) has been working with the Hawaii community and our State Legislature for five years to provide protection to manta rays in Hawaii. We are very thankful that the Governor signed the bill, creating Act 092 which will finally protect these amazing animals.
Manta Pacific Research Foundation Announces Act 092(09)
HB366 enacted into law
Honolulu, HAWAII - June 5, 2009 - Governor Lingle today signed House Bill 366 creating Act 092(09) establishing criminal penalties and administrative fines for knowingly killing or capturing manta rays within State waters.
This makes Hawaii the first state in the union to protect manta rays and it joins Mexico, the Philippines, and Yap in protecting these animals. House Bill 366, and it's companion Senate Bill 394, were introduced by Representative Denny Coffman and Senator Josh Green respectively in January of this year. Many more representatives and senators signatures were on the initial versions of the Bills introduced to the legislature. After passing through several committee readings in first the House and then the Senate, some modifications to the original text, and testimony submitted from supporters world wide, HB366 is now an Act of law.
Manta Pacific Research Foundation (MPRF) has been working with the Hawaii community and our State Legislature for five years to provide protection to manta rays in Hawaii. We are very thankful that the Governor signed the bill, creating Act 092 which will finally protect these amazing animals.
