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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0333.178 2010-2012Murashige, Laura From: HPH Vivian Toellner [viviansuet ©hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 12:44 PM To: County of Hawaii Council Testimony Subject: Testimony Res 130 -11 for 10/5/11 Attachments: Res 130 -11 Aquatic Wildlife.docx Dear Hawaii County Council COUNTY CLERK COUNTY CF ZOII OCT -3 PH 2: 24 October 3, 2011 Page 1 of 2 After having read the Report of the Committee on Governmental Relations of Sept. 20, 2011 Re: Comm. 333 /Reso 130 -11 I would like to add these comments to my earlier testimony of September 19, 2011. I wish to thank Ms. Ford for bringing this issue before the people of Hawaii County. Just weeks ago, I had no idea collecting and selling Live Aquatic Life from Hawaii was even a legal activity. I fully support a ban on such activity, and would love the opportunity to campaign and vote for a charter amendment to ban the activity here on our beloved island. Obviously, the DLNR does not care or think it is their kuleana. It is really all of our kuleanas. Please send the message to HSAC and the State Legislature that we consider the future of Aquatic Life in Hawaii a major concern, and want increased action, management and oversight into the activity. Before we have a problem we cannot recover from. Please have the foresight to prevent the loss of our beautiful flowers (fish) of the sea. Dear Representatives of the People of Hawaii; September 20, 2011 I implore you to support Resolution 130 -11. In my seven years living here on the Big Island, I have snorkeled at 90% of the accessible areas (4wheel drive) of this wonderful paradise. On my vacations to Hawaii prior to moving here, snorkeling was the highlight of trip. My eyes have feasted upon the glorious colorful reef fish and marine life, I take pictures and memories of the wonders I have been blessed to see. I cannot tell you how upset I am to now know what has been allowed to happen to this natural beauty. Two incidents have come to my attention. First, the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor incident, where 551 dead fish were discovered in trash bags. Another incident near Hookena, where a licensed aquarium collector was discovered with 132 fish in a prohibited area. Prohibit and Ban are strong words and actions, but these incidents warrant this extreme action. Obviously the majority of the people 10/3/2011 comm. N%_ 17? Ref. To: Erg' Ref. Date eCT 5 2011 Page 2 of 2 would never take hundreds of fish at one time, destroying and spoiling everyone else's enjoyment. These selfish people, who care for their pocketbooks more than for Hawaii, must be stopped, must receive this strong action. We must protect Hawaii, from ones such as these. No true lover of nature would do such a thing; and would be outraged to learn of this being allowed. It was not the numbers of fish that was illegal! can you image that? How many fish must they take to satisfy their greed? These individuals were allowed to be self monitored, and have lost that privilege, by their own actions, proving they cannot be trusted, their integrity has been lost. Let us stop foolishly believing we need not worry, we can no longer trust. Please protect Hawaii, Support Resolution 130 -11. Respectfully, Vivian S. Toellner PO Box 6894 Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 238 -0726 viviansuet @hotmail.com 10/3/2011