Hawai'i Gov. Linda Lingle has signed into law a measure that prohibits some public displays of dead human bodies.

The law is aimed at shows such as "Bodies ... The Exhibition," which was on display last year at Ala Moana Center.

Critics of the exhibition said they worried that the bodies displayed were those of Chinese prisoners.

The law bars the sale or display of dead human bodies, including human bodies or remains that have been plastinated through the use of polymers.

It exempts displays of bodies of people that have been dead for more than 80 years, are tied to a religious ceremony, or are part of a funeral or memorial service or in a museum.

LINGLE APPROVES MANTA PROTECTION

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.

Hawai'i 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, any 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 Southeast Asia and Indonesia for medicinal use, according to the Manta Pacific Research Foundation.

INPUT WELCOME ON FISHING REGULATIONS

Hawai'i's fishing regulators are asking the public for input on how to regulate the fishing of overharvested species, including parrotfish, goatfish and jacks.

These fish help maintain healthy coral reefs, so overfishing is a source of concern for the state.

The state has not yet drafted any rule changes.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said public meetings being held in Kailua in Kona, Hilo, Kahului and Lihu'e this month will focus on proposals to use minimum size rules to regulate catch.

State officials also hope to discuss using daily bag limits.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

• Kailua, Kona: Wednesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Konawaena Elementary School cafeteria.

• Maui: Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Maui Waena School cafeteria.

• Hilo: June 22, 6 to 9 p.m. County of Hawai'i Aupuni Center.

• Kaua'i: June 26, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Kaua'i Community College, Electronics Technology building, room 114.

RADIO SPECIAL DETAILS HISTORY OF OBON

Hawaii Public Radio will rebroadcast a special today detailing the background, meaning and history of obon dances.

The special, written and produced by Keith Haugen, will air from 6 to 7 p.m. on KHPR 88.1 Honolulu. It will also be heard simultaneously on KKUA 90.7 Wailuku and KANO 91.1 Hilo.

The program was first broadcast by HPR in July 2007.