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`opihi usually live in clusters on boulders or vertical cliff faces. They graze on <br />algae and are most active when the tides are changing. The `opihi spawn during <br />the winter months, by releasing gametes (eggs, sperm), where the larvae (called <br />veliger) can float for as long as 18 days, but usually seek an appropriate substrate <br />to settle and metamorphose into little shelled `opihi within 2 days. Genetic studies <br />show that larvae can travel inter -island, but each island has its own unique <br />population. <br />Only the most seasoned locals go for `opihi, considering the challenges of <br />descending/ascending vertical cliffs, traversing unstable cliff -side trails or <br />accessing traditional fishing trails blocked off by private landowners. <br />Notwithstanding, the unpredictable and dangerous ocean conditions. We can seek <br />comfort that the Hamakua `opihi populations are physically protected from <br />overfishing, the usual culprit in many fish stock declines. However, in recent <br />years, the County of Hawaii Planning Department has been permitting an <br />increasing number of cliff -side homes and development without much <br />consideration of the impact of these developments to our valued coastal ocean <br />resources. Ownership of these properties usually ends at the high tide line, <br />including the cliff face. Unbeknownst to the public, some of these areas had major <br />landslides recently, covering the boulder beaches with trees, shrubs and tons of <br />dirt. See attached photo of a landslide just north of Hakalau Bay, in 2015. <br />Besides, the constant leaching of sediment and pollutants into coastal waters, the <br />habitat for the `opihi and other critters in this intertidal zone are forever <br />destroyed... obliterated. This intertidal habitat is forever changed, not only with <br />the loss of that `opihi population, but the area has become permanently <br />uninhabitable to allow neighboring `opihi larvae to resettle. Imagine how many <br />more of these coastal habitat losses are occurring without us even being aware of <br />it. The threat is ever present. Now is the time to stop the cliff -side subdivision <br />spread up our coastline. <br />To close, a proverb by Pukui gives us a warning and an unsettling vision for the <br />future; "Kupihipihi loa kahi koena `opihi " (The remaining limpets have dwindled <br />in size), translated as the "finances have dwindled considerably." Our culture and <br />traditions are at stake. <br />