2014-09-15 Game Management Advisory Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Game Management Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2014 matters related to the preservation of subsistence hunting and fishing, as well as protecting traditional and cultural gartering rights. The commission may also advise County, State, and Federal agencies on any matter affecting the taking and conservation of aquatic life and wildlife, including proposed rules, and shall communicate its findings and recommendations to these agencies. The commission shall promulgate recommendations that conserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of Hawaii in furtherance of the self-sufficiency and long-term subsistence sustainability of aquatic life and wildlife in the County. The commission shall provide reports or legislative recommendations to the council as necessary, or at least quarterly.” (2012, Ord. No.: 12-110, section 1) Chair Lodge shared some of GMAC’s priorities:  Focus on the future of hunting which is a high risk for the State of Hawaii given State and Federal initiatives currently underway. Stop or block those initiatives or work with them to minimize those initiatives, is paramount to the generations of hunters. And it is for these reasons we have chosen to first focus on hunting and land management and with the consent of the Mayor.  Demand that the state abide by HRS 183B, managing our game animals for the benefit of subsistence hunters, sportsmen and gatherers for current and future generations; hold the State accountable to produce a game management plan and in that plan we suggest that such a plan require biological data, targets to be achieved, long term goals and methods to achieve those desired results and in addition, the State is required to publish/accomplish the game management plan on an annual basis or such period as is required by their own rules and regulations.  Create a state level board of game comprised by hunters and one of fishery. Both boards appointed by the Governor - DLNR is responsible to and these boards will have the authority to enact and change fishing game laws as well as hold the State accountable to managing our renewable resources for the benefit of our people, as well as the departmental groups who we wish to working together with.  Work with the Mayor and the County Council to implement access to both our mountains and to our oceans. Public testimony is appreciated and welcomed. Please keep statements focused on agenda items as this is the only time the commission meets together due to the Sun Shine Law. 2