Ige signs anti-wildlife trafficking bill

A bill signed by Gov. David Ige last week aims to end wildlife trafficking in Hawaii.

Senate Bill 2647 bans the sale, purchase, barter and trade of animal parts from elephants, rhinoceroses, sea turtles, monk seals and several other endangered species considered widely trafficked.

Exempted are parts used for educational purposes or displayed in museums.

The law also excludes guns, knives or instruments containing less than 20 percent of an animal part and also exempts those who own antiques more than 100 years old — but only if an animal part is less than 20 percent of the item and the owner obtains documentation establishing its age.

The law’s proponents, which included animal activist groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, have for years unsuccessfully sought bans on wildlife trafficking.

They say the new law aligns state law with federal and international regulations, and is written to give those with antiques containing animal parts time to make arrangements. The law won’t be enforced until June 30, 2017.

Proponents also say Hawaii has the third-largest ivory market in the nation and claim the problem is growing. Earlier this week, the owner of a Honolulu jewelry and gift business was sentenced to prison for ivory smuggling.

“We’re thrilled and glad (Ige) signed the bill,” said Inga Gibson, Hawaii state director of the Humane Society of the United States, calling the law one of the most “comprehensive anti-wildlife trafficking bills in the country.”

Multiple people in the Big Island antique industry opposed the law. They worry the new law, despite exemptions, will instead target those who collect antiques and collectibles.

Hilo resident Anne Walsh, who owns a collection of Hawaiian jewelry including some carved ivory pieces, previously said she’s worried the 100-year age requirement doesn’t protect younger pieces.

“It’s sad the government is even coming into our jewelry box or home,” she previously said.

Also opposed is Don Nigro, owner of Antiques & Coins Shop in Hilo, who previously called the bill “animal rights hysteria run amok.”

Nigro told the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday he thinks the new law is an example of big corporations “watching the little business man” and was disappointed to see it signed.

“It’s just too much of this stuff going on,” he said Wednesday. “Bottom line, certain people don’t want anyone to make money off anything from animals. It doesn’t matter if it’s historic or previously legal.”

Those who violate the law could face misdemeanor charges, fines up to $2,000 and jail time.

Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.