Comm No 0005.01 - GMAC Legislative HIstory - Sept 14 2018

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here although, trust me, they've been vociferous in their opposition to some of the DLNR issues that have been pending on their table regarding their, their subsistence fishing, and how we're to handle and preserve our near shore resources. I have been a persistent advocate as those of you who know regarding aquarium fishing and the need for self regulation, and the need for better relationships with DLNR and the West Hawai'i Fisheries agencies and organizations. And I'm hoping in some way, shape or form that when this becomes law, this particular Bill is passed finally, and we do have a commission that this Council and you, the constituents throughout the island, don't miss the point that this is not simply a hunting issue. And although the hunters maybe have brought this forward and I'm sorry to think I, in all the welter of controversy that we had over the aquarium issue about a year, a year and half ago, I didn't think enough to try to make this happen long before this time. I don't want the idea of aquatic life and our responsibility as a County for the preservation of our near shore marine resources to be overlooked. And on, up until this time they have been. I am particularly discouraged sometimes when I speak to Administration officials because I was beaten on the head and shoulders a little bit by the, by a member, a, a particular member of the Administration last year when I was accused of interfering with a State issue and wasting Council's time. I, I don't believe that. When we talk about hunting and fishing rights I believe it's very important that this Council takes a strong and an involved approach in how this is to be done. And I'm happy to think that Bill 260 at least provides us with the initial steps in that effort. So please hunters, I have nothing against hunting, please take me out and let me go with you some time, but please don't overlook the fact that we have a very strong constituency as well as a very strong responsibility to make certain that our near shore marine sources are protected and are used in the manner in which they're supposed to be. Thank you. [applause] » Thank you Council Member Hoffmann. Should Bill 260 be approved, we look at it as a, being a nexus for your aquatics and fisheries issues. And we'll certainly consider that at that time. Thank you again. Council Member Ford, you have the floor. » Thank you. And Mr. Ikeda will be after me? » Thank you. » Okay. Because we never know who's going to watch the video on television at any time, I'm going to go on the record again with my position. First I'll tell you that I am a conservationist. I am a preservationist. I am an environmentalist. And I don't take any offense at somebody who wants to object to me on that basis. However, I also come from a hunting family; both sides in my family, and my husband's family also hunt. Or, or at least used to when they were younger. I believe there's a middle ground here between those who want to fence everything in sight and those who need to have everything open for hunting. I believe there's a middle ground. And I'm hoping this 20