HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 015 10/19/2010 2008-2010 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: October 19, 2010 Re: Comm. No. 970 (Res.400-10)
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 2:34 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Communication
No. 970 (Res. 400-10), reports as follows:
Resolution 400-10, transmitted by Councilmember Hoffmann, via Communication No. 790
dated October 7, 2010, is a resolution supporting the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National
Marine Life Sanctuary's efforts to critically review its management plan and encourage the
inclusion of marine life other than the Humpback Whale.
Sanctuary Program Coordinator Justin Viezbicke was present to provide testimony at the
meeting and gave an overview of the current scope and range of the Hawaiian Island Humpback
Whale National Marine Life Sanctuary, which includes 1,370 square miles of coastal waters
adjacent to the main Hawaiian Islands.
Councilmember Hoffmann described that the intention of Resolution 400-10 is to support the
review process and pointed out that currently the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National
Marine Life Sanctuary is the only sanctuary restricted to one species. He explained that
Resolution 400-10 is not a ban or moratorium and takes a neutral postion to allow the public and
future studies to define the direction for the sanctuary.
Councilmember Yagong expressed concerns that there are not enough details regarding what
marine life might be included.
Mr. Viezbicke explained there is not a set plan currently, as that comes from the public. The
ideas derived from past public scoping meetings will be compiled and reviewed with future
public meetings. He stated that Resolution 400-10 is another avenue for public awareness and
transparency.
Councilmember Ford discussed the possible inclusion of monk seals, dolphins, turtles and other
sea mammals but was concerned with the lack of details.
EMC Rept. 15
Councilmember Enriques expressed concern about which marine life might be added.
Councilmember Hoffmann encouraged everyone to read the definition of a sanctuary and
emphasized that this is a step in the right direction. He stated that it was purposely general so as
not to be restrictive.
Councilmember Yagong questioned if this was the right time for the Council to weigh in or if it
would it be better after more details are formed and suggested a postponement.
Councilmember Hoffmann stated that as leaders, the Council needs to be an effective policy
maker on this issue, take action, and set direction so he was not supportive of postponement. He
suggested that other Councilmembers should submit amendments that they feel are needed.
Councilmember Ford asked about the outcome of the August 2010 public meetings, and she also
suggested postponement until more facts were available.
Sanctuary Program Coordinator Justin Viezbicke stated that the outcome of the August 2010
meetings could be found on the sanctuary webpage http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
Committee Chair Greenwell explained that cattle management was equally about water, grasses,
markets and many other items as well as beef and how sanctuary management is comparable. He
feels strongly that the Council needs to send the State a message concerning the direction of the
Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Life Sanctuary.
Your Committee on Environmental Management is not in accordance with the purpose and
intent of Resolution No. 400-10 and forwards it to Council with a negative recommendation.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
GREENWELL x MANA t EMENT
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X a,
NAEOLE-BEASON X f
ONISHI X LL r :4110-1-1r-LL, CHAIR
YAGONG X i C REPORT NO. 15
YOSHIMOTO X 11 OPTED:
OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting: November 4, 2010 - 51st Session
Action: Approved Resolution 400-10 (Draft 2) and filed EMC-15
EMC Report 15 transmitted the above resolution with a "negative"
recommendation due to a vote of 5-noes.
Re: Res. 400-10, Draft 2 (Comm. 970.3) /EMC-15