Shark tours would be banned in Maui County under a bill given final approval by the County Council.

The measure now awaits the signature of Mayor Charmaine Tavares.

Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson says the bill is a sign of respect for Native Hawaiians, who consider sharks sacred.

She says a safety issue also is involved because dead fish parts are used to attract the predators, with potential to the sharks' natural behavior.

The county doesn't have the authority to regulate offshore activities.

Instead, the bill would regulate the business side of shark tours, prohibiting any business from operating in Maui County that charges customers to enter the ocean to feed or attract sharks for viewing.