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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.011 2008-2010 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura From: Suzanne Robbel [srobbel78 ©yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 10:34 AM To: counciltestimony ©co.hawaii.hi.us Subject: SUPPORT - Reso. 363 -10 Disallowing Reef Fish Collection for Export Dear Councilmembers, Thank you for this opportunity. I support this reso because: Reef fish are critical to reef health, beauty and abundance. They are not ornaments! Reef fish support both reef and open water ecosystems. They are not ornaments! Healthy, abundant ecosystems support ALL of Hawai'i's people and visitors - not just a few. Please pass this reso! Mahalo, �F Suzanne Robbel Comm laE°. 0 _ Ref. To: ��--- Ref. Do# 7/19/2010 • I strongly object to this proposal, there are no grounds to even consider resolution no. 363 -10. Dr Bill Walsh wrote in an article that stated, despite the amount of reef fish being collected the aquarium fishery was the most sustainable fishery in Hawaii which he attributes current management and the FRA's. As an exporter and collector I agree with Dr Bill Walsh's article, I also agree that we need management to keep this fishery sustainable, and we are working towards that goal as councilman Pete Hoffman suggested in a meeting with Dr Walsh and the aquarium fish collectors. Some facts to consider: Every yellow tang shipped off this Island brings back an average of $ 7.00 to the state economy. Money that supports local businesses such as: Airlines in shipping cost Local mechanics for auto and boat repairs Gas stations for fuel Fishing store for equipment Packing supply companies Hawaii electric for system operation NELHA for water and fish food State GET taxes Sales taxes on the money we spend Federal taxes on our income Auto insurance Business insurance And the money we spend on food, housing, medical insurance and clothing. And the list goes on. Our fish are in demand all over the world, a yellow tang in a home aquarium can inspires people to visit Hawaii. I can't deny people are very passionate about closing this industry down, but at what expense? We have FRA's that cover over 30% of west Hawaii, we have management and we have evidence showing Page 1 of 2 �/