Protestors Rally Against Oahu's North Shore Shark Tours

It's a hot button issue that got people fired up once again on Saturday.
A group of protestors gathered at Haleiwa Boat Harbor to rally against what they say is illegal activity by shark tour operators.
But those companies say they're not breaking the law.
More than 40 people from Safe Waters for Hawaii united in protest.
The demonstration was heated between the group and two of Oahu's North Shore shark tour companies.
"We need jobs for local families. Yes, save the jobs but don't feed sharks," said one protestor.
Safe Waters for Hawaii waved photos claiming the tour operators are going against state and federal laws.
"The thing is they are feeding the sharks and that's illegal, that's why we're here," said Mahina Chillingworth with Safe Waters for Hawaii.
State rules ban shark feeding in waters three miles off-shore. In 2006, the federal government followed suit with similar rules for waters past three miles.
"These kinds of photos, illegally feeding sharks and that's why we're upset," said Chillingworth.
North Shore Shark Adventures and Hawaii Shark Encounters say they abide by the law - and those photos were taken before that federal law kicked in.
"We don't have to feed these sharks, have been out here over 60 years, they're bottom feeding sharks, they've been following the crab trapping boats," said Stefanie Brendel with Hawaii Shark Encounters.
She says these allegations are yet another blow to their business.
"This has been obvious for a year and they have voiced it loud and proud during many meetings that we are going to shut these people down," said Brendel.
"Not here to hamper on their business, we respect their business, all we're saying is stop the feeding," said Chillingworth.
House and Senate bills introduced this legislative session hope to end this debate. One would prohibit commercial shark tours from operating in the state. Another would prohibit the use of state boating facilities and parks for shark tours - except for those already in business on the North Shore.
"We're done arguing and this is now at the state legislature and we hope that they can see the big picture and actually weigh the pros and cons," said Brendel.
There is also an ongoing investigation by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources looking into whether illegal feeding of sharks is taking place.