RES 130 Draft 01 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. 130 11 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO AMEND CHAPTER 188, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO BE APPROPRIATELY DESIGNATED PROHIBITING THE SALE OF AQUATIC LIFE FOR AQUARIUM PURPOSES AND AMEND EXISTING SECTION 188F -4 REGARDING THE WEST HAWAII REGIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT AREA PLAN AND SECTION 189 -11 REGARDING RECEIPTS IN DUPLICATE. WHEREAS, the aquatic life of the reefs within the State of Hawai`i are being devastated by the collection of reef fish and other aquatic life, especially native fish species; and WHEREAS, the County of Maui has already passed legislation to prevent further degradation of their reefs and aquatic life, and WHEREAS, despite the provisions set forth in Section 188F -4, Hawai`i Revised Statutes, West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area Plan, scientific research proves that collection of reef fish diminishes the number of fish reaching reproductive age, thereby reducing the number of adult fish contributing to the genetic pool, and that while some of our reef fish are increasing, specific species have not increased in numbers; and WHEREAS, in an economy based on tourism, the continued protection of our reefs and its inhabitants increases the enhancement of the tourist experience bringing millions of dollars into the State coffers; and WHEREAS, the aquatic life of the reef protects the reef from being overgrown by algae and also provides food for larger pelagic fish which in turn sustain humans with food supplies; and WHEREAS, the Council of the County of Hawai`i urges the State Legislature to protect our reefs and its aquatic life, and promote increasing reef fish population that will continue to attract and sustain the tourist industry of our State by prohibiting the sale of aquatic life to the aquarium trade in the State of Hawai`i; now, therefore,