HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.180 2010-2012Murashige, Laura
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From: Ginger Towle [towle @hawaiiantel.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 11:10 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Oct 5 Council meeting
Attachments: oct 5 fishcouncil.doc
oct 5
;hcouncil.doc (16 KE
Hi, This is my testimony for tomorrow's council meeting. I will be
faxing 2 pages to add to it. Thanks, Ginger 329 -2051
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October 5, 2011
To - Hawaii County Council
Chair Dominic Yagong and Council Members
From — Ginger Towle , President West Hawaii Humane Society
Regarding — STRONG SUPPORT - Res. 130 -11,
Prohibiting the sale of aquatic life for aquarium purposes
The number of people involved in the aquarium trade is increasing and it seems without a serious
thought as to what it is really doing to our fragile reef ecosystems. There is a lot of talk by those who
are in the trade and have a vested interest. But it is time we start listening to other scientists and
knowledgeable people in this community.
As I have mentioned before, I have not talked to a single person that approves of the occupation.
In fact, I remember Pete Hoffman stating last year something to the effect that the people in his district
would likely vote for a ban now. So perhaps this needs to be taken "to the people ".
Nearly 50% of the top 20 species taken by collectors are found only in Hawaii. The needs of these fish
cannot be met in an aquarium. Statistics have shown they last approximately a year. Having provided
an aquarium for my children when they were young I feel they probably don't make it to even a year.
Some of these fish can live long lives if only left alone. If it were puppies and kitten that were shipped
and a huge percentage arrived dead, the community would not tolerate such a business.
The 700 yellow tang found in the dumpster and now the recent West Hawaii Today article about reef
damage by a collector and the actions taken as well as no action taken by the DLNR, has not made any
friends. It has alerted the community to this serious problem.
There has been an abundance of scientific testimony given previously, and will be today as well, much
of this is by people who do not have a vested interest and I urge you to please listen carefully. It's
pointless unless you listen to other scientists and knowledgeable people. Decisions need to be made
that protect and preserve.
I would also like to ask where is the scientific evidence that says that it is not painful to clip and
puncture a fish?
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Ginger Towle — President, West Hawaii Humane Society
75 -5788 Nele Place,K.K. 96740 or Box 2695, Kailua -Kona, Hawaii 96745
329 -2051