HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSEDC 004 03/16/2010 2008-2010 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Date: March 16, 2010 RE: Comm.730/
Resolution 308 -10
Place: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78 -128 Ehukai Street
Kailua -Kona, Hawaii
Time: 9:00 am
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
The Committee on Human Services and Economic Development to which was referred
Resolution 308 -10 reports as follows:
Resolution 308 -10 transmitted by Councilmember Pete Hoffmann via Comm. 730, dated
March 2, 2010, urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic
Resources, to adopt rules recommended by the West Hawaii Fisheries Council for Sustainable
Management of the West Hawai`i Aquarium Fishery including adoptive management of fish
replenishment areas, establishment of an Aquarium fish species "White List," and a limited entry
program.
Dr. William Walsh of the DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources presented the management
data to the members of the committee and Ms. Owens of West Hawaii Fishery Council
explained how the council arrived at creating the three prongs of their proposals which resulted
in Resolution 308 -10, establishing new regulations for Kona's tropical fish harvest industry.
Councilmember Hoffmann stated how important it is to adopt this resolution calling on the
Attorney General to move ahead and adopt these rules. He added that it might not be as
comprehensive as many people would like but it is an adequate first step in order to protect our
aquatic resources. He further stated that this is a community effort; a long standing community
effort, not something that just came about.
Councilmember Yagong agreed with the importance of keeping reef fish bountiful. He also
questioned Dr. Walsh on the effect the restriction would have on spear fishing for those who
depend on the ocean for food, and Dr. Walsh explained that it would have little or no impact for
personal use.
Councilmember Ford had concerns over relinquishing 2,000 feet of her district's FRA (Fish
Replenishment Area) to appease another area and asked Dr. Walsh to explain the selection
process used to select Ka`ohe Bay as the exchange for Pebble Beach. He explained that the
provision of opening a new area will not be carte blanche; they plan to make it a limited entry
area restricting the number of days, plus having the fishers pull their priority day by lottery, in
addition to filing a daily catch report. He concluded by stating this area was chosen due to its
light use and limited access.
HSEDC
RPT 04
Councilmember Yoshimoto and Naeole- Beason concurred that this is a step in the right direction
and thanked Councilmember Hoffman for bringing the resolution forward.
For informational purposes Councilmember Ford voted kanalua twice.
Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution 308 -10 and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A &E EX Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES x
FORD x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
GREENWELL x AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HOFFMANN x
IKEDA
NAEOLE - BEASON x
ONISHI x _ EMILY 1AEOLE- BEASON, CHAIR
YAGONG x HSEDC REPORT NO. 04
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: AUG 1 8 ?QlQ