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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
30 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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requesting the establishment of a working group to protect the batoidea order, including manta rays from poaching and fishing.
WHEREAS, Hawaii is fortunate that its island waters are home to graceful and beautiful manta rays; and
WHEREAS, manta rays are most commonly found off the Kona Coast on the island of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, the number of manta rays that exist is unknown, and because the focus of studies has been on whales, dolphins, and sharks, little research has been conducted on manta rays; and
WHEREAS, as a result, manta rays have not received the amount of attention they are due with regard to research and conservation; and
WHEREAS, in other parts of the world, manta rays are killed because they are considered a delicacy, and a new market has emerged in Asia whereby manta rays are used as an ingredient in traditional medicines; and
WHEREAS, there is fear that the harvesting of manta rays could spread to the western Pacific; and
WHEREAS, because of their low reproductive rate, there is great concern that manta rays may be depleted in certain parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, while manta rays are not hunted commercially in Hawaii, there are currently no laws protecting manta rays; and
WHEREAS, preventive action should be taken now to ensure the protection of manta rays in Hawaii's waters; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is requested to partner with each of the county councils and other related state agencies to establish a working group to determine methods to protect the batoidea order, including manta rays from poaching and fishing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to:
(1) Research and pursue all possible means of protecting the batoidea order, including manta rays;
(2) Draft proposed administrative rules to prevent poaching, fishing, or killing of species under the batoidea order; and
(3) Determine the appropriate state agency to be responsible for enforcing the administrative rules;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DLNR is requested to submit a report to the Legislature of its findings and progress to implement administrative rules, including suggested legislation if necessary, no later than 30 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if significant protection is not achieved by January 2007, the Legislature may consider enacting laws to implement 100 percent protection of all manta rays; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and chairpersons of the county councils of Hawaii, Maui, Honolulu, and Kauai.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:
Manta Rays; Protection; Working Group