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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br /> DATE: October 19, 2010 Re: Comm. No. 970 (Res.400-10) <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 2:34 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Communication <br /> No. 970 (Res. 400-10), reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 400-10, transmitted by Councilmember Hoffmann, via Communication No. 790 <br /> dated October 7, 2010, is a resolution supporting the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National <br /> Marine Life Sanctuary's efforts to critically review its management plan and encourage the <br /> inclusion of marine life other than the Humpback Whale. <br /> Sanctuary Program Coordinator Justin Viezbicke was present to provide testimony at the <br /> meeting and gave an overview of the current scope and range of the Hawaiian Island Humpback <br /> Whale National Marine Life Sanctuary, which includes 1,370 square miles of coastal waters <br /> adjacent to the main Hawaiian Islands. <br /> Councilmember Hoffmann described that the intention of Resolution 400-10 is to support the <br /> review process and pointed out that currently the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National <br /> Marine Life Sanctuary is the only sanctuary restricted to one species. He explained that <br /> Resolution 400-10 is not a ban or moratorium and takes a neutral postion to allow the public and <br /> future studies to define the direction for the sanctuary. <br /> Councilmember Yagong expressed concerns that there are not enough details regarding what <br /> marine life might be included. <br /> Mr. Viezbicke explained there is not a set plan currently, as that comes from the public. The <br /> ideas derived from past public scoping meetings will be compiled and reviewed with future <br /> public meetings. He stated that Resolution 400-10 is another avenue for public awareness and <br /> transparency. <br /> Councilmember Ford discussed the possible inclusion of monk seals, dolphins, turtles and other <br /> sea mammals but was concerned with the lack of details. <br /> EMC Rept. 15 <br />