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December 13, 2022 <br /> Mayor Mitch Roth <br /> 25 Aupuni Street Suite 2603, Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Dear Honorable Mayor Mitch Roth, <br /> A motion was passed in a recent Hawaii County Game Management Advisory <br /> Commission meeting, to address the Mayor regarding changes the Mayor's Office <br /> has made to the Hawaii County GMAC meeting times and format. <br /> Two months ago the meetings were abruptly changed from 6-8 pm to 2-4 pm., <br /> zoom only. There was no public notice, no opportunity for commissioner <br /> response, no time allowance to replace commissioners that could no longer <br /> attend because of day job restrictions, and no fair chance for the commissioner's <br /> to make other arrangements with day obligations and schedules. <br /> The change to day hours/zoom only has also negatively affected public <br /> participation. Fishers, hunters, and gatherers have daily schedules that prevent <br /> them from attending and testifying. Kupuna and others tell us that they are not <br /> computer savvy and that in-person attendance is a must. <br /> Since 2014 GMAC has been meeting in the evening hours, and for years it was <br /> held in the County Council Chambers. Evening public attendance and testimony <br /> have been a cornerstone of the GMAC mission and meetings. <br /> There is no understanding among GMAC commissioners and participants as to <br /> why it was so necessary for the meetings to be changed, and would like to know <br /> specific reasons for the new format. <br /> GMAC would also ask, are there alternatives for in-person meetings and evening <br /> time slots that would help us serve our mission? <br /> Mahalo nui for your attention, <br /> Abraham Antonio <br /> GMAC Chairperson <br />