HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.018 2024-2026M A A
Testimony in Support of Resolution 95 to urge Hawaii County to Purchase Kawainui
By Craig Sev8r8DCH'8D8-84O'187O
3/1G/2D25
Aloha, I'm a retired fisheries anthropologist from UHH and I continue to serve as a
voluntary advisor iOfisheries management Gtthe state and federal level. |@Ol@member of
M@h@h8neio@and DAR's East Hawaii Fisherman's Working Group but BDltoo old tofish )O
the K@Vv@iDUi8GtU8ry. Estuary protection and enhancement is critical not only tVnear
shore fisheries but offshore and pelagic fisheries 8Gwell. The separation OfLand and ocean
jurisdictions in state and county agencies often restricts us from fully understanding the
importance of estuaries and the surrounding Land both below and above the cliff Line.
Clean productive undeveloped estuaries or muliwai with culturally appropriate access
provide refuge and spawning access for some species and they form @Oimportant base for
the food chain for others such as Opelu and Akute. These in turn provide food and forage
for fish Like Ono, Mahi and AN which contribute significantly to food security and
community health.
Kawainui is the most appropriate Location for the County to begin to take action to preserve
protect and enhance the muLiwai which will in turn enhance our fisheries and the health of
our communities. I urge the passage of Resolution 95. MahaLo.