Laserfiche WebLink
<br />that have been dominating this industry for decades. It’s not a product for an accurate <br />representation of what we have all agreed upon or what is equitable and fair. There’s no <br />accurate data being provided with full transparency to the stakeholders, lawmakers or the <br />public that can back up claims of a) overcrowding. What’s overcrowded? The bay, the parking <br />lots – what number of cars \[unclear\] people define overcrowding – who is claiming it’s <br />overcrowded and what data do we have to back up that claim? Why haven’t any new viewing <br />sites been proposed to make room for new operators? Why doesn’t this packet include Mauna <br />Kea viewing area? b) They’re saying it’s unsafe. Who is saying it’s unsafe? What justifies the use <br />of that word – a word that is known to raise eyebrows of official agencies. We already have <br />existing laws that outline boating operations that do not \[unclear\] demographic like this packet <br />does. So, who stands to lose the most with implementation of this set of rules if you take away <br />all the local mom and pop boat companies is that what will make it more safe? And does <br />increasing operating fees make it more safe. This rule packet effectively destroys small local <br />businesses – taking caring eyes off of the resources and leaving these large companies to control <br />and dominate our resources unobstructed. This packet does not address any issues that would <br />make it safe for the mantas or people. People come here specifically to view the rays and who <br />better to show it to them than a Hawaiian or a local. We are trained professionals who deeply <br />care for the environment and marine life. There’s a lot of political jargon stuffed in this packet <br />and I would ask that you reject it in its full. Listen to the small businesses and revise this packet <br />so it’s transparent and fair with all the variables addressed. If the State can’t enforce the existing <br />laws what exactly will new laws do besides create more hardships for the small business owners. <br />We the little guys have… <br /> <br />SW: Thirty seconds remaining… <br /> <br />JD: ….been completely ignored in this rule-making process for 8 years. Please listen to us now. <br />Thank you for your time. Think deeply and sincerely as you make your decisions regarding this <br />matter – is this packet geared towards fairness and safety or is to accommodate the largest <br />operator and give them a monopoly? Thank you. <br /> <br />AA: Thank you Jonathan. Sylvia is there anybody else next? <br /> <br />SW: Is there anyone else that would like to testify? I have 2 hands up. I have somebody by the name <br />of “user” which I think she would need to tell her name as well as the agenda item that’s gonna <br />be called upon and then seconded, I also have Holly Craig. <br /> <br />AA: Thank you. <br /> <br />MW: My name is Melissa \[unclear, sounds like Worst\]. Aloha everyone. I’m a managing member <br />\[unclear\] which manages \[unclear\] which has 2 permits with the DLNR \[unclear\]. We are <br />\[unclear\]… <br /> <br />SW: I’m sorry… <br /> <br />AA: Excuse me. Hello. Hold on. <br /> <br />SW: I’m sorry, what item are you testifying to? <br /> <br />13 <br /> <br /> <br />