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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> Date: March 16, 2010 RE: Comm.730/ <br /> Resolution 308 -10 <br /> Place: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa <br /> 78 -128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua -Kona, Hawaii <br /> Time: 9:00 am <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> The Committee on Human Services and Economic Development to which was referred <br /> Resolution 308 -10 reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 308 -10 transmitted by Councilmember Pete Hoffmann via Comm. 730, dated <br /> March 2, 2010, urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic <br /> Resources, to adopt rules recommended by the West Hawaii Fisheries Council for Sustainable <br /> Management of the West Hawai`i Aquarium Fishery including adoptive management of fish <br /> replenishment areas, establishment of an Aquarium fish species "White List," and a limited entry <br /> program. <br /> Dr. William Walsh of the DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources presented the management <br /> data to the members of the committee and Ms. Owens of West Hawaii Fishery Council <br /> explained how the council arrived at creating the three prongs of their proposals which resulted <br /> in Resolution 308 -10, establishing new regulations for Kona's tropical fish harvest industry. <br /> Councilmember Hoffmann stated how important it is to adopt this resolution calling on the <br /> Attorney General to move ahead and adopt these rules. He added that it might not be as <br /> comprehensive as many people would like but it is an adequate first step in order to protect our <br /> aquatic resources. He further stated that this is a community effort; a long standing community <br /> effort, not something that just came about. <br /> Councilmember Yagong agreed with the importance of keeping reef fish bountiful. He also <br /> questioned Dr. Walsh on the effect the restriction would have on spear fishing for those who <br /> depend on the ocean for food, and Dr. Walsh explained that it would have little or no impact for <br /> personal use. <br /> Councilmember Ford had concerns over relinquishing 2,000 feet of her district's FRA (Fish <br /> Replenishment Area) to appease another area and asked Dr. Walsh to explain the selection <br /> process used to select Ka`ohe Bay as the exchange for Pebble Beach. He explained that the <br /> provision of opening a new area will not be carte blanche; they plan to make it a limited entry <br /> area restricting the number of days, plus having the fishers pull their priority day by lottery, in <br /> addition to filing a daily catch report. He concluded by stating this area was chosen due to its <br /> light use and limited access. <br /> HSEDC <br /> RPT 04 <br />