STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1516-08

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

RE:   H.R. No. 288

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 288 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY WITH THE ADOPTION OF RULES TO REGULATE THE ORNAMENTAL REEF FISHERY INDUSTRY IN SOUTH MAUI AND KANEOHE BAY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to urge the Department of Land and Natural Resources to proceed immediately with the adoption of rules to regulate the ornamental reef fishery industry in South Maui and Kaneohe Bay.

     The Koolau Foundation, Koolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Wayne's Ocean World, and several concerned individuals supported this resolution.  The Department of Land and Natural Resources opposed this measure.

     Your Committee finds that the taking of ornamental reef fish for aquarium collections must be regulated immediately, before the resources are depleted.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Ocean Resources & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 288 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

KEN ITO, Chair