GMAC 2023 3rd Quarter Report (002)

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GMAC 2023 3rd Quarter Report County of Hawai’i Game Management Advisory Commission 2023 3rd Quarter Report to County Council Prepared by Commissioner Cortney Okumura, District 8 The County of Hawai’i Game Management Advisory Commission (“GMAC”) submits this Quarterly Report pursuant to Hawai’i County Charter, Section 6-9-3. July 18, 2023 Presentation: Commissioners heard a presentation by Kanalu Sproat, DOFAW West Hawaiʻi Wildlife Biologist. Synopsis: Mr. Sproat discussed fire suppression strategies that DOFAW are implementing in Pu’uanahulu and Pu’uwa’awa’a. DOFAW does allow, on an annual permit, a couple of people to graze their herds there which historically would keep the grass loads down to help against fire spread. They also completed a $5MM water project in Hale Puila and Pu’uwa’awa’a. Presentation: Commissioners heard a presentation by Thomas Gilmore, DOH Remedial Project Manager seeking public comment on Soil Remediation Plan for Hakalau Beach Park. Synopsis: GMAC decided to draft a letter of support and approve it at the next meeting. Discussion and Decision Making: ● Drafted Letter of Gratitude to House Rep. Mark Nakashima for introducing bills of GMAC interest, Commissioner Leomana Turalde ● Drafter Letter of Gratitude to Senator Lorraine Inouye as Chair of the Water and Land Committee regarding HB 1089, Commissioner Robert Duerr ● Discussion regarding recommendation provided by the Investigative Committee Report re: Rules and Regulations Related to Lobster Harvesting and Sale, a New Business item, was moved to the August 15th GMAC meeting. ● Investigative Committee: Investigate the Eradication of Game Animals - this committee was closed and voided due to a cease and desist letter being posted in the area. August 15, 2023 Communication: Commissioners received a communication by Dr. Melissa Price, Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management College of Tropical