Dolphin Bill 2024

Dec 18

A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO PROTECT DOLPHINS

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PEOPLE OF HAWAI’I:

SECTION 1. Purpose. The People of Hawai’i find that dolphins belong to the Ocean. Similar to humans, dolphins have emotions, self-awareness, and engage in complex communication, cooperation, creativity, and play. Like humans, dolphins are intelligent, sensitive, and understanding of the emotions of all species. Public opposition to the captivity of dolphins has increased exponentially in the United States of America and Earth. Maui prohibited the captivity of dolphins in 2002, and California, New York, and South Carolina also passed legislation prohibiting the exhibition of some or all species of Dolphins. Additionally, Bolivia, China, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Slovenia, Switzerland and Russia have banned or restricted the captivity of dolphins.

The People of Hawai’i further find that the presence of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean surrounding Hawai’i provide many cultural, spiritual, and educational benefits for Hawai’i. The People of Hawai’i also find that banning dolphin captivity is necessary to protect, preserve, and promote the health, welfare, security, and quality of life in Hawai’i.

Therefore, the purpose of this ordinance is to ban captivity of dolphins in Hawai’i.

SECTION 2. Amendment. Chapter 4, Article 8 of the Hawai’i County Code shall be amended to read as follows:

“Article 8. Dolphins.

Section 4-8-1. Definitions. For purposes of this Article, the following words and terms are defined:
“Captive” means confined, restrained, or kept under control.
“Dolphins” means dolphins and porpoises.

Section 4-8-2. Prohibition. It is unlawful to hold dolphins captive in Hawai’i.

Section 4-8-3. Ocean. All dolphins currently held in captivity shall be held in trust by the United States of America for the benefit of the Ocean and returned to the Ocean within one year after the date of the enactment of this Article 8.”

SECTION 3. Enactment. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:
Emma Jane Avila Pohlman

Click Here to Read Draft Legislation