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COUNTY OF HAWAI`I RESOLUTION NO. STATE OF HAWAII 422 25 A RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROHIBIT THE HARVEST OF AQUATIC LIFE FROM STATE MARINE WATERS FOR COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM PURPOSES. WHEREAS, on October 5, 2011, the Hawaii County Council adopted Resolution No. 130-11, Draft 2, urging the Hawaii State Legislature to amend Chapter 188, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to prohibit the sale of aquatic life for aquarium purposes, recognizing that reef fish populations were being depleted by aquarium collection practices and calling for statewide legislative action to protect Hawai`i's marine ecosystems; and WHEREAS, Hawai`i's coral reef ecosystems are of immeasurable importance to the people, culture, and economy of the islands, supporting biodiversity, subsistence, and traditional Native Hawaiian practices tied to the principle of aloha `aina (care for the land and sea); and WHEREAS, Hawai`i's coral reefs are being pushed to their limits due to rising ocean temperatures, repeated bleaching events, and human pressures; and WHEREAS, herbivorous reef fish such as but not limited to yellow tang (Zebrasoma jlavescens) and orangespine unicomfrsh (Naso lituratus) play critical ecological roles in controlling algal growth, maintaining coral resilience, and sustaining subsistence fisheries; and WHEREAS, fish collected for the aquarium trade are frequently subjected to severe stress and internal injuries, especially when brought to the surface rapidly, which can lead to immediate or delayed death as recovery often requires extended, low -stress conditions that are rarely provided in commercial handling; and WHEREAS, some commercial and sport fishers incorrectly practice venting (puncturing the swim bladder of fish), which is inhumane and inconsistent with best practices of the global aquarium trade, and knowingly causing such injuries is considered cruelty to animals and a violation of Section 711-1109, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and WHEREAS, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), has proposed new administrative rules to reopen aquarium fish collection in West Hawaii, allowing collectors to remove various native species from the region with an annual permit; and WHEREAS, even with past efforts to address concerns about reef protection, the current proposal from DAR has moved forward without the depth of community dialogue, cultural consideration, or independent scientific evaluation that many believe is necessary, raising questions about whether the process aligns with Hawai`i's constitutional responsibilities to safeguard natural resources, uphold the right to a healthy environment, and protect traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices; and