|
THE SENATE |
S.R. NO. |
134 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
SENATE RESOLUTION
requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to adopt rules lifting the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.
WHEREAS, the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) of the Department of Land and Natural Resources issued a fishing moratorium in the water surrounding the Lapakahi State Historical Park; and
WHEREAS, DAR intended for the moratorium to restore overfished species, support the local ecological balance, and honor the region's rich cultural and historical significance; and
WHEREAS, studies conducted by DAR indicate that fish populations have rebounded and coral health has improved since the adoption of the moratorium; and
WHEREAS, the moratorium has also negatively affected local fishers and surrounding communities that rely on these waters for their incomes and livelihoods; and
WHEREAS, the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District is no longer necessary as recent assessments indicate that populations of key fish species have recovered; and
WHEREAS, to address the economic needs of the local community and to ensure the preservation of the marine resources in the conservation district, fishing should be reintroduced to the area under sustainable management protocols; and
WHEREAS, reintroducing sustainable fishing practices with the proper rules and regulations will benefit the local economy, reinvigorate local fishing activity, and establish guidelines for sustainable fishing to ensure that marine resources remain available and plentiful; and
WHEREAS, lifting the moratorium will also provide the local community with an opportunity to provide input and collaborate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources in the management of the conservation district; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to adopt rules lifting the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District; 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 Administrator of the Division of Aquatic Resources.
|
|
OFFERED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
|
DLNR; DAR; Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District; Fishing; Moratorium