HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0362.006 2018-2020 PICaAft:11
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From: Bunnie Lino
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Pohoiki Boat Ramp
Date: Monday,July 22,2019 9:17:15 PM 7019 JUL ` 10
Aloha,
My name is Mike Harrington. I have been a full time commercial fisherman out of Pohoiki
boat ramp for twenty years. This meaning, all of my income for the last two decades has
come from fish caught out of Pohoild boat ramp.
During these years I am proud of the fact that I have never had to ask the government for
any help financially. I have stood on my own two feet and used my brain and my hands to
earn an honest living.
Since losing access to our Pohoiki boat ramp due to volcanic activity, my family has
endured many hardships. We lost our acre in Leilani estates that we were ready to build on.
We took in my sister in law and her daughter due to them losing their home to lava.
The biggest hit we have taken is our income. I am currently doing my best to survive by
fishing out of Hilo. My whole career as a commercial fisherman was spent fishing from
Pohoiki to Punaluu. Pohoiki is a 30 mile one way trip from the Hilo boat ramp. Punaluu is
40 miles south of Pohoiki. Barely reachable for a boat the size of mine. The cost of fuel to
fish this coast will put me out of business soon.
What I am asking for now is not a government handout. I am asking for the govermnent to
use the money I have been paying in taxes to either dredge out our existing Pohoiki boat
ramp or build a new ramp directly outside of the existing ramp. I am not asking for a multi
million dollar harbor to be built here. Just asking for a simple ramp to be put in for us
fishermen. Eventually the roads and the water will get down there but until then just get us a
ramp in place so we can work and continue to pay our bills. ASAP!
I would like to thank anyone who took the time to hear or read what I have to say. I love
my life as a commercial fisherman and I love the ocean and coastline that have provided for
me and my family for the past twenty plus years! Please help us!
Mahalo,
Mike Harington
FN Mahana
Comm. N�j.
Ref. To: t' con a
Ref. Date JUL 7, 3 2019