HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0118.060 2014-2016COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
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County Council Bill 24 OPPOSED Date L17115
David Dart
1 fail to see the need for bill 24. It appears the county is trying to usurp state
functions. On the reporting issue I already do daily fish catch reports for DAR. I also do
a cash sale report once a month for DAR. The daily fish catch report I do for the state
includes vessel number, license number, the date, species and specie size report, the
zone caught, total dive time, the number caught and the total sold plus price and value
and total dive time. It also requires type of capture used such as a barrier net and its
length. We are talking about a very detailed report. I fail to see how the county, unless
you are going to fund a county marine biologist who is going to do much with this
information. Why not get the information from the state as they already have it in daily
reports.
Much of the provisions of the bill is open to subjective interpretations. How are the
enforcement people going to be trained to be able to tell if the fish are being held or
transported in the manner set forth in the bill? How can a lay person know if the
handling of fish will likely lead to more than 1 % mortality?
I not only have a statewide aquarium permit, but also have to have a West Hawaii
endorsement on it. By signing for the permit I agree to let DLNR personal inspect my
boat or enter an aquarium holding shop. We are open and transparent.
For those who complain of not enough enforcement. I have been boarded by
DOCARE officers three times in the last two years and checked for any violations. We
have to have all of our gear labeled with our state aquarium permit number. This
includes all nets whither hand or fence net plus our holding baskets. We not only have
to fly a diver down flag, but also a special AQ pennant plus AQ in 6" letters on both
sides of a vessel to identify us as AQ fishermen.
There is nothing in bill 24 that can aid in the study of aquarium fish or help the
sustainability that the state isn't already doing. Is the county also going to require non
aquarium reef fishermen and ahi fisherman to pay a fee? If not why not? The county is
unfairly singling out the aquarium fishery for non -warranted punitive measures. We are
the most heavily regulated fishery in the state by a wide margin. All this for a proven
sustainable fishery? Let common sense prevail and kill this bill. Mahalo
Comm. No. 119. i00 ,,
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Ref. Date FEB 17 ZU15