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COUNTY OF HAWAII <br />STATE OF HAWAII <br />RESOLUTION NO. 130 11 <br />(DRAFT 2) <br />A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII <br />TO AMEND CHAPTER 188, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES BY ADDING A NEW <br />SECTION TO BE APPROPRIATELY DESIGNATED PROHIBITING THE SALE OF <br />AQUATIC LIFE FOR AQUARIUM PURPOSES AND AMEND EXISTING SECTION <br />188F -4 REGARDING THE WEST HAWAII REGIONAL FISHERY <br />MANAGEMENT AREA PLAN AND SECTION 189 -11 REGARDING <br />RECEIPTS IN DUPLICATE. <br />WHEREAS, the aquatic life of the reefs within the State of Hawai`i are being devastated <br />by the collection of reef fish and other aquatic life, especially native fish species; and <br />WHEREAS, the County of Maui has already passed legislation to prevent further <br />degradation of their reefs and aquatic life; and <br />WHEREAS, despite the provisions set forth in Section 188F -4, Hawai`i Revised <br />Statutes, West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area Plan, scientific research proves that <br />collection of reef fish diminishes the number of fish reaching reproductive age, thereby reducing <br />the number of adult fish contributing to the genetic pool, and that while some of our reef fish are <br />increasing, specific species have not increased in numbers; and <br />WHEREAS, Article XII, Section 7 of the Hawai`i State Constitution affirms protection <br />of native Hawaiian rights customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural and <br />religious purposes; and <br />WHEREAS, a balanced marine ecosystem is important to the survival and sustainability <br />of fishing grounds (ko`a), the ability to continue to fish and gather using customary and <br />traditional methods, and is a critically important element in perpetuating native Hawaiian <br />customary and traditional practices; and <br />WHEREAS, in a cultural- and environmentally - driven tourism economy, the continued <br />protection of our reefs and its inhabitants enhances the overall cultural experience, which brings <br />millions of tourism dollars into the State coffers; and <br />WHEREAS, the aquatic life of the reef protects the reef from being overgrown by algae <br />and also provides food for larger pelagic fish which in turn sustain humans with food supplies; <br />and <br />