STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1394

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.C.R. No. 131

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 131 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO AMEND CHAPTER 13-34, HAWAII ADMINISTRATIVE RULES, THE PUPUKEA MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, OAHU, TO ALLOW HOOK AND LINE POLE FISHING FOR AKULE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to request the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to amend its administrative rules to allow hook and line pole fishing for akule within the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (Conservation District).

DLNR and two concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. The Nature Conservancy and two concerned individuals opposed this measure.

Your Committee finds that, through proper management, reasonable accommodations for hook and line pole fishing for akule may be made without negatively affecting marine life conservation efforts or commercial fishing within the Conservation District. Testimony on this measure suggested that hook and line fishing for akule should be restricted to the summer months of June, July, and August. Your Committee is confident that DLNR will not only consider this suggestion, but will also consider specific areas for hook and line fishing and will involve members of the community and especially the task force involved with the establishment of the Conservation District in its rule making process.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that:

(A) DLNR is addressing the potential conflicts within the Conservation District between commercial users and those who enjoy hook and line fishing for akule; and

(B) Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCDs) ensure the replenishment of the State's ocean resources; and through prudent and flexible management, a resource can be both sustainable and enjoyed for subsistence and recreational purposes in a way that will have no negative impact on the resource and help promote the establishment of future MLCDs throughout the state;

(2) Requesting DLNR to consider different options regarding where and how hook and line pole fishing for akule within the Conservation District may be allowed; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 131, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 131, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources,

 

____________________________

EZRA R. KANOHO, Chair