HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0730.050 2008-2010Murashige, Laura M M_ 13a 4�
From: caitlin kryss [caitlinkryss @hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 1:11 PM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Res. 308 -10 testimony
Dear honorable County Council members,
Caitlin Kryss
PO Box 6846
Hilo, HI. 96720
(808) 968 -0874
caitlinkryss @hotmail.com
8/16/2010
i:]10 AUG 16 P19 1 ..
I am writing in full support of Res. 308 -10, particularly as it relates to placing much needed restrictions
on the aquarium collecting practices on the Big Island. I am from Mountain View, and for many years I
have observed the reckless overharvesting of reef fishes and it must be addressed. The collection has
surpasses sustainable levels years ago. I have personally observed the decline of reef fishes commonly
collected. There is currently no space in the laws for protection of rare and overharvested species, or
species critical to maintaining reef health. For example, many of the most popular fish species
collected act as keystone species that maintain a delicate balance between algal overgrowth and
healthy corals by grazing on the marine macroalgae. If we have no herbivores because aquarium
collectors have harvested them, algae will rapidly take over the reefs and corals will die, which has
rippling effects on the rest of coral reef species. We desperately need to protect what we have left.
Hawaii needs to lead as an example of responsible stewardship of our aina. If we have no beautiful
reef fishes, we will lose our tourist appeal, and many industries will fail, including the dive and snorkel
tours, fishing, ecotourism, and many others. Our children will never see the reefs we once experienced
that make many kama'aina so proud. Truth be told, there should be a moratorium on aquarium
collecting until our reef fish stocks recover, but I understand many people feel their livelihoods will
suffer. But we must ask ourselves: do we write the laws to protect what we have today, or do we write
them to preserve what we want to have tomorrow? Please support Res. 308 -10 and protect our reef
fishes for the future.
Mahalo nui for all your hard work and dedication. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
Page 1 of 1
p/cou,.Iaz.
Como. No. 30.So
Ref. To
Ref. Date H