The state of Hawaii wants to triple by cost of commercial marine license fees by 2018.

The $50 fee would immediately jump to $100, then would increase to $150 on Jan. 1, 2018.

"Commercial license fees haven’t increased in nearly 20 years, so we’re updating the fee schedule to reflect our current needs," said Bruce Anderson, administrator of the state's Division of Aquatic Resources. “The increased revenues will fund badly needed improvements to online reporting and licensing web sites, to better serve the fishing public.”

The state is also proposing changes that would affect dealers who buy marine life directly from commercial fishers.

Want to weigh in?  A series of meetings have been scheduled for the public:

Molokai: Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Pau‘ole Center Conference Room

Oahu: Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria

Lanai: Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lanai High/Elementary School cafeteria

Hilo: Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hawaii County Aupuni Center Conference Room

Kona: Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Honokohau Harbor Big Game Fishing Clubhouse

Maui: Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Waena School Cafeteria

Kauai: Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School cafeteria

Kauai: Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Kapaa Elementary School

Since 1935, MOPS has protected the licenses and livelihoods of more than 80,000 deck and engineering officers, state and federal pilots and certified tankermen.  

We cover USCG licensed officers operating aboard vessels of any size in every sector of the maritime industry.  If you want a quote, give us a ring at 800-782-8902, ext. 3608 or 3302.  Or fill out our online form and we'll email you a quote.