2022-01-27 GMAC Final Ltr to Mayor re HB 1872

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Abraham Antonio Mitchell D. Roth Chair Mayor Brian Ley Co-Chair Lee E. Lord Kean Umeda Managing Director Leomana Turalde Grayson Hashida Robert H. Command Cortney Okumura Deputy Managing Director George Donev County of Hawai‘i Game Management Advisory Commission 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 January 27, 2022 Honorable Mayor Mitch D. Roth 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Dear Mayor Roth: RE: Request for your written testimony in support of HB 1872 Pursuant to Section 6-9.3 of the County Charter, the Hawai‘i County Game Management Commission (the “Commission”) may advise the County on matters related to the preservation of subsistence hunting and fishing; the protection of traditional and cultural gathering rights; and any matters that affect the taking and conservation of aquatic life and wildlife. One of the Commission’s goals is to provide recommendations that conserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i in furtherance of the self-sufficiency and long-term subsistence sustainability of aquatic life and wildlife in the County. To this end, we hereby request your written testimony to the Hawai‘i State Legislature in support of HB 1872, a copy of the proposed bill which is attached hereto for your reference. The Commission strongly believes that HB 1872, which amends Section 183D-2, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, achieves the following: (1) recognizes that game mammals and birds provide a sustainable food source that merit quality habitats to support viable populations sufficient for hunting; (2) recognizes the importance of proper management of game populations to minimize their impacts while still providing benefits and contributing to native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices and the resources that those practices rely on; and (3) recognizes Hawai‘i’s unique relationship between management of the land and ocean and the constitutional obligations it has under its public trust responsibilities of resources. All of the aforementioned adds value to the overarching goal of sustainability in this County, and we would appreciate your written support. A draft letter is provided to you to use at your discretion if you choose to grant this request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at abrahamantoniosr@yahoo.com. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Abraham Antonio, Chair Game Management Advisory Commission County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.