HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 422 Draft 01 2024-2026A RESOLUTION URGING THE HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE TO PROHIBIT THE HARVEST OF AQUATIC LIFE FROM STATE MARINE WATERS FOR COMMERCIAL AQUARIUM PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, on October 5, 2011, the Hawai‘i County Council adopted Resolution No. 130-11, Draft 2, urging the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to amend Chapter 188, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, to
prohibit the sale of aquatic life for aquarium purposes, recognizing that reef fish populations were being depleted by aquarium collection practices and calling for statewide legislative
action to protect Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, Hawaiʻi’s coral reef ecosystems are of immeasurable importance to the people, culture, and economy of the islands, supporting biodiversity, subsistence, and traditional Native
Hawaiian practices tied to the principle of aloha ʻāina (care for the land and sea); and
WHEREAS, Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs are being pushed to their limits due to rising ocean temperatures, repeated bleaching events, and human pressures; and
WHEREAS, herbivorous reef fish such as but not limited to yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and orangespine unicornfish (Naso lituratus) play critical ecological roles in controlling
algal growth, maintaining coral resilience, and sustaining subsistence fisheries; and
WHEREAS, fish collected for the aquarium trade are frequently subjected to severe stress and internal injuries, especially when brought to the surface rapidly, which can lead to immediate
or delayed death as recovery often requires extended, low-stress conditions that are rarely provided in commercial handling; and
WHEREAS, some commercial and sport fishers incorrectly practice venting (puncturing the swim bladder of fish), which is inhumane and inconsistent with best practices of the global aquarium
trade, and knowingly causing such injuries is considered cruelty to animals and a violation of Section 711-1109, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), has proposed new administrative rules to reopen aquarium fish collection in West Hawaiʻi,
allowing collectors to remove various native species from the region with an annual permit; and
WHEREAS, even with past efforts to address concerns about reef protection, the current proposal from DAR has moved forward without the depth of community dialogue, cultural consideration,
or independent scientific evaluation that many believe is necessary, raising questions about whether the process aligns with Hawaiʻi’s constitutional responsibilities to safeguard natural
resources, uphold the right to a healthy environment, and protect traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices; and
WHEREAS, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, with nearly 4,000 members, approved a resolution at its 66th annual convention to include as part of its 2026 Legislative Package to
the Hawai‘i State Legislature a proposed bill to enact a permanent statewide ban on commercial aquarium collection, affirming that Hawaiʻi’s reef ecosystems must be managed under the
public trust doctrine for the benefit of future generations rather than private profit; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI that the Hawaiʻi State Legislature is hereby urged to enact legislation that prohibits the harvest of aquatic life from State marine
waters for commercial aquarium purposes.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Joshua B. Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawaiʻi; the Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi, President
of the Hawai‘i Senate; the Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura, Speaker of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives; the Honorable C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D., Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i; the Honorable
Derek S. K. Kawakami, Mayor of the County of Kaua‘i; the Honorable Richard T. Bissen, Mayor of the County of Maui; the Honorable Richard “Rick” Blangiardi, Mayor of the City and County
of Honolulu; and Dawn N. S. Chang, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Dated at _____________, Hawai‘i, this ______ day of ___________________, 20___.
INTRODUCED BY:
_______________________________________
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
_______________________________________
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai‘i
Hilo, Hawai‘i
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
HUSTACE
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawai‘i on _____________________________________.
INABA
KAGIWADA
KĀNEALI‘I-KLEINFELDER
KIERKIEWICZ
ATTEST:
KIMBALL
ONISHI
VILLEGAS
Reference:
COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER
RESOLUTION NO.