Gov. Linda Lingle last week signed into law a new act that establishes criminal penalties and administrative fines for knowingly catching or killing manta rays in state waters.

Hawaiçi is the first state to enact protections for manta rays. Mexico, the Philippines and Yap have similar laws.
Under the new law, which establishes killing or capturing manta rays as a misdemeanor offense, first-time offenders will face a $500 fine. The fine increases to $2,000 and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.
In addition, violators also face an administrative fine of up to $10,000 for each manta ray killed or captured; seizure and forfeiture of captured manta rays, commercial marine license, vessel and fishing equipment; and assessment of other fees and costs.
Manta ray meat, skin and branchial elements are in demand in South East Asia and Indonesia for medicinal use, according to the Manta Pacific Research Foundation.