Comm No 0005.01 - GMAC Legislative HIstory - Sept 14 2018

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That's the thing that is so impressive of the people that I've had the honor to be in, in touch with in regards to this Bill. But they talk about not just, not themselves but for future generations. And it's just wonderful to be part of that that people that are looking towards the future and making sure that the Hawai'i we enjoy today is the Hawai'i that their children and their grandchildren, and, and generations after that will enjoy as well. And that is because we will take a step to make sure we direct how we feel our island should go in terms of protecting our resources. I do want to specifically; and, and I'm, and please forgive me, you, you; I get into trouble when I name peoples' names because there's always people that, that certainly deserve recognition, but I do want to thank Mr. Tony Sylvester. You know, I really appreciate Mr. John Griffiths, you know, and Mr. Pat Pacheco, your leadership on this has been absolutely phenomenal out in Kona. Mahalo to John Sabate [sp?] and Colin Onaka for what they've done. And most especially I want to thank the Pele Defense Fund because you want to talk about people that brought the entities together? It was that group. And if not for those folks to bring these people together this may not have been possible. So, [applause] lot of wonderful people involved. And last but not least let me just say thank you to all of those that have come out in support of this here. We had a gentleman out in Kona, brother told me he never voted in his life and he's never participated in his life. He came 8:00 in the morning and that guy stayed 'til 9:30 at night, so fascinated with the process, not just the hunting bill, it was the hunting bill that brought him to the meeting but it was the process that has opened up a lot of peoples' eyes where people are now paying attention and understanding that it's through legislation that people have a voice. So I'm very proud of that process. So, with that said, Mr. Chairman, I hope everyone continues to support this Bill 260. It's been said many times over it's historical, I believe it is. And I look forward to the people of this County having an opportunity to vote for putting together a game management advisory commission here on Hawai'i County. Thank you Mr. Chairman. [applause] » Thank you Council Member. Additional comments or questions? » Mr. Chairman? » Council Member Hoffmann, please? » Thank you Mr. Pilago. Ladies and gentlemen, I am in complete support of what this particular Bill is attempting to accomplish. But I'll tell you why I'm a little bit disappointed. I think we've been disappointed a little bit in the emphasis that's been taken here on hunting. I was recently beaten up over the head and shoulders a little bit by a whole group of people from my constituency that have made it very clear that there is a very strong and a very emotional issue attached to fishing. And this has been very much in the news at least in my district regarding subsistence fishing and the idea of preserving some areas along the Kohala coast. I think we failed to bring those people to the table 19