COM 0970.002 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY'S EFFORTS TO CRITICALLY REVIEW ITS MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ENCOURAGE THE POTENTIAL INCLUSION OF MARINE LIFE OTHER THAN THE HUMPBACK WHALE. WHEREAS, the primary purpose and intent of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) is to protect humpback whales and their habitat within the Hawaiian Islands; and WHEREAS, the sanctuary was mandated by Congress in the 1992 Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act to identify and evaluate the additional resources and ecosystems of national significance, which led to the establishment of the sanctuary's first management plan in June 1997; and WHEREAS, the law requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to periodically review sanctuary management plans to ensure that sanctuary sites continue to conserve, protect, and enhance their nationally significant living and cultural resources; and WHEREAS, management plans are guiding documents that generally outline regulations, describe boundaries, identify staffing and budget needs, and set priorities for resource protection, research, and outreach and education programs; and WHEREAS, the sanctuary conducted 10 statewide public scoping meetings in August 2010 to solicit public comment on the existing management plan and provide input on issues seen as management priorities for the next five to 10 years; and WHEREAS, the management plan review process will continue to provide opportunities for public comment through working groups and public meetings; and WHEREAS, the protection of all marine life in Hawaiian waters is not just an ecological, biological, or cultural concern, but also a matter of economic necessity for the County of Hawai`i because a clean and healthy ocean environment is the engine that drives Hawai`i's visitor - oriented economy; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that it supports the sanctuary's review of its management plan, which could include strong consideration for the potential inclusion of marine life other than the Humpback Whale. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sanctuary is encouraged to make every effort to engage in meaningful dialogue with the public to ensure that the updated management plan is a product of collaboration and thoughtful compromise. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI'I that the County Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the Honorable William P. Kenoi, Mayor, County of Hawaii; the Honorable Governor, State of Hawaii; and members of Hawai`i's Congressional Delegation.