Nation’s first shark fin ban goes into effect in Hawaii this week
By Audrey Mcavoy, APWednesday, June 30, 2010
Hawaii’s first shark fin ban begins this week
HONOLULU — Hawaii’s first-of-its-kind ban on shark fins will go into effect this week.
The new law prohibits the possession, sale or distribution of shark fins in the islands.
This means starting Thursday, restaurants won’t be allowed to serve shark fin soup and other dishes found in some upscale Chinese restaurants.
There are some exceptions. For example, restaurants are being given a one-year grace period to serve shark fin they already have in their inventory.
Honolulu-born actress Kelly Hu joined the bill’s sponsor Sen. Clayton Hee at the state Capitol Wednesday to show her support for the ban.
Hu urged fellow Asian-Americans to speak out against eating shark fin.
Gov. Linda Lingle signed the bill into law last month.
