HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.051 2008-2010 Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Steve [sjdennis @sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2010 11:33 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony
Dear Hawai'i County Council's Committee on Human Services and Economic Development,
We are in strong support of Reef Fish Collection Resolution (363 -10).
My wife Sona and I are part -time residents of the Big Island, lifelong divers and snorkelers and both teach ocean
conservation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In addition we have a gorgeous 300 gallon aquarium at home so
we understand the joy of an in home aquarium. However, our aquarium is 100% tank breed fish and plants.
There is no need to take fish out of the wild.
Hawaii would not permit the capture of wild endemic birds and other wildlife to keep as pets. Why should we
allow the capture of marine animals and invertebrates for pets.
We have 6 young grandchildren who are all starting to snorkel. When they are old enough we hope they will all
become divers. We want to protect the reef life for them and for their grandchildren.
It is true that reef animals are difficult to breed in captivity but the Ocean Rider Seahorse farm
http: / /www.seahorse.com/ has been successful with some fish as well as seahorses. Encouraging breeding
farms on the Big Island is a much better way to bring economic value without capturing live reef animals.
The following slideshow provides an excellent case to end fish collecting on the Big Island -
http:// www .slideshare.net /forthefishes /hawaii- aquarium- trade -impa_ cts ?from= share_email
We appreciate your efforts and urge a yes vote on Resolution 363 -10.
Steve & Sona Dennis
24 Mentone Drive
Carmel, CA 93923
68 -1399 Mauna Lani Drive
#L302
Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743 ww'
•=
Steven J. Dennis
F + j
S7D Consulting -
Email: sjdennis @sbcgloba1.net
Phone: 831 620 -0232 Fax: 831 620 -0231
Mobile: 831 915 -8332
A , Please consider the environment before printing this e -mail
CORM 144, S 2 • S7
Ref. To:_7
Ref. Date
7/19/2010