Make your voice heard: Maui/Lanai Regulated Species Rule Package info and hearings are this week: 11/21 in Kahului

Aloha ocean stewards,

This is a very important informational email regarding the Maui/Lanai proposed rule package that will go to public hearing next week (dates, times, and locations below).  Please read and share the  document that goes over the proposed rule package and the science, biology, ecology, and fishing community input that supports it - click this link to access it via google docs.  Russell Sparks has given several informational presentations to the community, and since not everyone was able to attend, we have put together a version to share that includes the slides as well as much of what he talked about during the presentation. 

The formal hearings: You will have three minutes.  Start by saying whether you support or do not support the package, and then state very specifically why and/or what parts you would like to comment on.  Be specific.  This hearing is ONLY about this rule package and nothing else.

Please come out and support this rule package.  More fish for the future!

Mahalo,
Darla

Darla J White
Special Projects Coordinator
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Maui
130 Mahalani Street, Wailuku HI 96793

Cell: 808-281-4916
onareef@yahoo.com
darla.j.white@hawaii.gov

*********************

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA, JR.
CHAIRPERSON


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2013
DLNR CONDUCTS PUBLIC HEARINGS ON  PROPOSED MAUI AND LANAI FISHERIES RULE CHANGES

Changes to bag and size limits proposed

KAHULUI --The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) will hold public hearings this month on proposed rule changes for Maui and Lanai fisheries bag and size limits. The public hearings -- not informational meetings -- will be recorded and are designed to collect testimony specific to these rule proposals. 

"These proposed rules were developed over several years through consultation with the public, and have been guided by the best available science,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. "Effective resource management requires public involvement and the department is committed to gathering and considering all public testimony,” Aila said. 

Public hearings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and are scheduled as follows:
· Lanai – Nov. 19 at the Senior Center, 309 7th Street, Lanai City
· Hana – Nov. 20 at Helene Hall, Hana Bay Beach Park, 174 Government Road
· Kahului – Nov. 21 at Maui Waena Intermediate school cafeteria, 795 Onehee Ave

The changes will consist of bag and size limits for several popular nearshore fish, including goatfish, parrotfish (uhu), and Jacks (ulua/papio). In addition to the various bag and size limits, the proposed rules will also include a prohibition on the harvest of blue male uhu for the two large uhu species, and slot limits for omilu.

Draft rules are posted on the DAR website at http://state.hi.us/dlnr/dar/ under “What’s New.”

Anyone interested in providing verbal or written testimony in person should first research the rules prior to attending the hearing.  Questions or concerns may be addressed to Russell Sparks, Maui Aquatic Biologist at (808) 243-5832.

Written and emailed testimony will also be accepted through Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 by email to: DLNR.MauiLanaiRules@hawaii.gov or by postal mail to:
Division of Aquatic Resources
130 Mahalani St., Wailuku
HI 96793

Three public information meetings were held on Maui and Lanai last month to explain the proposed rule changes.  After careful review and consideration of all oral and written testimony, the Department may either recommend that the Board of Land and Natural Resources adopt the proposed rules as is, or recommend that changes be made.  Any substantive changes to the proposed rules will be subject to further public review and comment.

# # #

Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public information specialist
Phone (808) 587-0320

KHFMA’s 4th Birthday Bash and Ridge to Reef Celebration!

On July 25^th, 2013, the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area (KHFMA) turned 4, and to celebrate, we held its annual “Birthday Bash” on Sunday, July 28th.

This event has really grown over the years, and this year we expanded its scope to have a broader “Ridge to Reef” theme. We had all the usual fun, educational, and DELICIOUS components of the event, like our signature culinary contest, plus some new things, such as Hawai‘i’s first-ever seaweed-eating competition! (not so delicious, depending on who you ask…)

It was a fun party, hosted by the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, the Coral Reef Alliance, Ka‘anapali Makai Watch, West Maui Kumuwai, SeaWeb, and the Division of Aquatic Resources, and involved many groups engaged in conservation work on Maui, and an amazing array of awesome volunteers. The purpose of the event was to get everyone together to raise awareness and involve our community in watershed and reef stewardship. Every part of the event incorporated that theme.

The Seaweed-Eating Competition by far drew the most attention, and landed the event on the front page of the Maui News, just under the story about Hurricane Flossie which was bearing down on us and closed down the beaches the following day – close one! We fully admit that this seaweed-eating contest was an experiment, but it turned out well – it was a fun spectacle that drew quite the crowd. To tie in to the event’s theme, and that of the KHFMA, our contestants were dubbed “human herbivores,” and had to eat their pile of seaweed salad off a placemat depicting a healthy coral reef- essentially playing the role of a grazer (like the protected fishes and urchins within the KHFMA) “cleaning” the reef of potentially coral-smothering seaweed. We held two bouts, one for five men and one for five women, and the first to finish their pile (1 lb for the women, 1.25 lbs for the men) was crowned the winner. For the men, it was Ka’au Abraham, and for the women, it was Elizabeth Triplett. While the seaweed eating happened, Darla White from the Division of Aquatic Resources shared some of the science surrounding the KHFMA, and everyone learned more about herbivores and their importance than they’d ever expected when they showed up that morning! Check out some video from the contest - from the women's competition, and from the mens'.

Of course, we held our KHFMA and Ridge to Reef themed Culinary Contest, where the judging is based on appearance, not on taste, according to two themes, “Most Creative,” and “Science Geekiest.” Darlene Wallace won the former with her massive artistic creation featuring all sorts of reef life, and Amy Hodges won the latter, with a concoction depicting eutrophication (the process of elevated nutrients impacting the reef). Everyone at the event got to vote, and we awarded an additional prize for “fan favorite” by allowing anyone to vote online – Amy won that title as well!

 

 

 

Another new activity was the Ridge to Reef “Savvy Shopper Relay”, which pitted teams against each other to complete an obstacle course that included the task of sorting products and items representing specific behaviors into “reef friendly” and “reef foe” categories. It was fun AND educational! To find out more about reef-friendly products, check out the West Maui Kumuwai website and the Ocean Preferred labeled products!

There was a water quality monitoring demonstration, led by Robin Knox, who showed everyone how to get and process a turbidity sample, to measure the clarity of the water.

And always a highlight, a reef tour led by Darla White allowed participants to go snorkeling and check out the reef, which is always enlightening when led by a marine scientist. Darla also shared the methods of the Herbivore Enhancement Area fish surveys, which has involved a team of volunteers assisting DAR in collecting data since before the establishment of the KHFMA. 

The FishIdentification Network (FIN) was also onhand to conduct a fish survey as part of the Great Annual Fish Count, in its 13^th year in Hawaii!

 

We also had a Ridge to Reef Hui outreach tent zone, where local groups set up tables to share information and talk story with attendees. 

 

A crafting station for kids was hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary – kids colored and made their own coral reef hats featuring herbivores!

 

 

We had AMAZING prizes donated for the event, including overnight stays at West Maui resorts, gift certificates for restaurants and activities, and more. Attendees had lots of chances to win prizes, starting by checking in, and participating in all the activities – prizes were given out via hourly random drawings, and to those who won the various contests. Thanks to volunteer London Poole for helping to coordinate the prize donations!

We appreciate all the prize donors for their generosity and support of this event:

Choice Health Bar – gift certificate

CJs Deli & Diner – two $25 gift certificates

Hawaiian Village Coffee – gift certificate

Island Press Coffee – gift certificate

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa – dinner for two at Japengo

Hurley – apparel

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel – 1 night in a partial ocean view room, and gift certificate for two for the Sunday Champagne Brunch

Lahaina Fire Station - apparel

Maui Ocean Center – four 1-Day Journey guest passes

Quicksilver- apparel

Ritz Carlton Kapalua – one night in a deluxe room with breakfast buffet for two

Roxy - apparel

Trilogy Excursions – four guest passes for the South Maui Sunset Sail

Volcom – apparel

Westin Ka‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas – gift certificates for Spa Helani and Pulehu restaurant

Mahalo to the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas for all their support of our ongoing efforts as well as the event! Here they are awarding the prizes to Elizabeth & Ka'au, who won in the seaweed-eating contest.

Amy cleaned up!

To see more photos from the event, check out these albums here and here. Mahalo to Ananda Stone of Splash Productions for providing photo and video services for the event!

Darren McDaniel (@TheMauiDarren) from the Honua Kai Resort & Spa

Kristen & Sheila from SeaWeb giving out free West Maui Kumuwai t-shirts to the first 50 attendees!

Thanks to all the volunteers who made it another successful event – you all are THE BEST!!

Finally, last but certainly not least, we recognized a number of individuals at the event for their ongoing contributions and generosity with their time, energy, and expertise:

Ka’anapali Makai Watch outreach & education team:

John Seebart, Karen Wetmore, Julie & Mike Merrick, Terry & Marie Schroeder, Don & Joyce Judy and Don Jr, Sheila Murphy, and Sofia de la Sota; and of course the “box-father” who eschews any official affiliations, Don McLeish.

Herbivore Enhancement Area survey volunteers (noting # of surveys completed to date):

Rick Long (165), Audrey Dack (79), John Seebart (42), Jim Surowiec (24), Don Judy (23), Flo Bahr (23), Fred Litt (23), Eileen Robb (21), Linda Tesar-Amimoto (13), Debbie Hazard (11), Julie Merrick (7), Mike Merrick (7), Arjuna Collier (6), Donna Brown (6), Katherine Jordan (6), Carrie DeMott (5), Joyce Judy (5) Lisa Davis (5).

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) surveys conducted at Kahekili, total to date:

Don Judy (489!!), Rick Long (87), Karen Levy (42), Donna Brown (30), Liz Foote (28), Fred Litt (19), Flo Bahr (16), Julie Merrick (11), Sharon Ringsven (9), Linda Castro (7), Pam Daoust (7), Eileen Robb (7) and Nancy Kanyuk (5).

West Maui Ridge to Reef volunteers:

Alan, AJ and Jake Kuiper, Ananda Stone, and Jez Gonzales.

New Educational Sign Describes How Herbivores Help Coral Reefs

Visitors to Kahekili Beach Park in Ka‘anapali can now learn about the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area (KHFMA), a special type of marine protected site in Ka'anapali, via a new interpretive sign focused on the site, its rules, and the ecology behind it. In May, the Ka‘anapali North Beach Master Association sponsored the installation of the first sign for the region. The Association’s Joe Pluta says his organization is honored to participate because they believe coral reefs are sensitive and vitally important.

Joe Pluta of Ka'anapali North Beach Master Association with the sign he sponsored, posted on the pavilion at Kahekili Beach Park.

The colorful KFHMA signs include information about the site’s rules and boundaries, why it was established, what herbivores are and why they are important, and how these animals help the reef. Herbivores play an important ecological role by eating algae (seaweed or limu) that when unchecked, can overtake and harm the coral. By creating a relatively small area where herbivores are protected from harvest, and where fish feeding is illegal, it is hoped that these animals can help protect the reef from the impacts of land-based pollution such as nutrients which fuel algal growth. Another prominent feature of the sign is a section that distinguishes between the stages of reef decline, from healthy, to stressed, to degraded, and depicts the characteristics of each. The purpose of the sign is to promote compliance with the site’s rules through increased awareness of why the rules were set in place.

Any business, organization, or individual within or near the boundaries of the KHFMA can “adopt” a sign; sponsors are acknowledged on the signs via a ‘sponsorship box’ with their name and logo, as we found that was a successful model with the Respecting Coral Reefs reef etiquette sign. Honua Kai Resort & Spa and the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas, resorts located in the center of the protected site's boundaries, are also planning to adopt the signs and install them on their respective properties. 

a closer look at the sign's sponsorship box

The sign’s content  was developed by Liz Foote and Russell Sparks and Darla White of the Division of Aquatic Resources with input from local partners and scientists; they were designed by Geoff Moore of Silver Moon Art and Design using photos donated by Keoki Stender, James Petruzzi, Darla White, Russell Sparks, Linda Castro, and Liz Foote. Funding was provided by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program. For more information on the signs or how to adopt one, please contact me at (808) 669-9062 or Lfoote@coral.org.

On Sunday, July 28, 2013, we’ll hold a community event at Kahekili Beach Park to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the KHFMA’s establishment. This year the annual Birthday Bash is being expanded to incorporate a broader “Ridge to Reef” theme. The new KHFMA sign will be officially unveiled, and its sponsors will be featured and acknowledged as part of the event.

Science Day at Lihikai Elementary School

by Liz Foote

 

Today, Lihikai Elementary School had its annual Science Day, where professionals from various fields come in and take over a bunch of classrooms so they can do presentations for the students all day. It’s a great way for students to meet and hear directly from people from the community who work in scientific fields. 

One classroom was occupied by Steve Parabicoli and Joe Jares, veteran wastewater operators, who shared important water conservation messages with students, and impressed upon them that water is our most precious resource, and it’s “all of our job” to protect our water resources. The first steps in doing so are to learn why water is so important, and explore ways to protect and save water. Steve and Joe also sought to give students a look at how wastewater is treated, a process most of us may take for granted and know little about.

 Steve (left) and Joe (right)

It wasn’t all seriousness (there may have been a “pull my finger” and “crapper” reference here and there…), and the guys engaged the students with “Uncle Steve’s bag of tricks” which consisted of some props with educational messages. 

Students especially enjoyed getting squirted with a ‘safety purple’ squirt gun, and now they know what it means when they see piping and water fixtures in that color – it’s recycled water that is available for irrigation and other purposes, and is a great example of conservation.

After the bag of tricks was fully explored, Steve and Joe gave a presentation to the students to cover the water conservation themes in more depth. One of many take home messages that Steve shared with the students was "don't ever take clean water for granted."

Steve talked about the concept of sustainability, told the story of how the Clean Water Act came to be, and taught the students about the difference between ground water and surface water. He showed photos and took the students through the process of treating wastewater at the reclamation facilities on Maui. He also shared a few tips for saving water, such as turning the water off while brushing your teeth, installing devices like low flow shower heads and low flush toilets, and watering your lawn at night. Another important tip he shared is never to dispose of fats, oils and grease down the drain as they can block pipes and lead to sewage spills.

I’d like to share some additional photos from Steve and Joe’s presentation at Science Day, and thank them for letting me tag along and document it.

Steve showed the students what toilet flappers look like, and told them how important it is to make sure they aren't leaking and wasting water. If you hear a hissing noise, it may be leaking. You can perform a simple test by adding food dye into the toilet tank, and if your flapper is worn out, you'll see the dye in the toilet bowl.

Steve and his E.coli Giant Microbe buddy!

Steve explained to the students what microbes are, and pointed out that most bacteria are good, or "beneficial," and can assist in the wastewater treatment process.

 Steve described the water cycle, and how the planet doesn't make new water, it recycles the same water over & over again.

 Steve & Joe used an eyedropper and small model of the Earth to demonstrate that if the Earth were the size of a tennis ball, all the fresh water on the planet would equal just one drop

Professional Profile: Steve Parabicoli

Our latest Professional Profile features Steve Parabicoli, Wastewater Operations Program Superintendent with the County of Maui. He has been working in this field here on Maui for nearly 30 years now and is a certified Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Steve, who has been dubbed by many of his wastewater engineer colleagues as "The Godfather of Reuse,” was recently named as a 2013 Environmental Hero by Maui No Ka Oi magazine!

How we manage our wastewater as a society has critical implications for the natural environment, particularly in island ecosystems where we depend so heavily on our nearshore marine resources which can be affected by wastewater disposal. The importance of Steve’s job can not be understated, and we’d like to give him the opportunity to tell you more about himself, his career, and its intersection with natural resource conservation.

Professional Profile: Steve Parabicoli

1. Name: Steve Parabicoli

 2. Job Title:   

Wastewater Operations Program Superintendent

 3. Degree(s) held and from where:  

 Bachelor of Science, Framingham State College (Massachusetts)

4. Brief description of your job:   

Oversee the operation of the County of Maui’s wastewater collection system, wastewater reclamation facilities and recycled water distribution system.

5. Briefly describe the project(s) you are currently working on:   

Upgrades to facilities such as energy efficiency projects, installation of new filtration systems to improve effluent quality, and overhaul and cleaning of critical unit processes. I also will be improving the training of our employees so they can be better prepared for their certification examinations.

6. Explain how/why your job is important to society:   

Wastewater operations personnel play an important role in protecting the environment, protecting public health and contributing to water resource sustainability by properly operating and maintaining wastewater and water recycling facilities.

 

7. How did you end up doing what you’re doing?   

I have always been interested in contributing to a clean environment. After moving to Maui with my new B.S. degree in the late 1970’s, I was hired as the operator of the Pukalani Wastewater Reclamation Facility. I had found a job that allowed me to directly help protect the environment.

8. Were you inspired by anyone in particular? If so, who, and how did he/she influence your career choice?  

While in college, my ecology professor took my class on a tour of a small wastewater reclamation facility. I was impressed on how clean the final effluent appeared and how proud the operator was that he was helping protect the environment. I remember the professor telling us not to overlook the potential of working in the water quality protection field.

9. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?   

Keeping Maui’s environment clean and contributing to water resource sustainability through the optimum operation and maintenance of our wastewater reclamation facilities.

10. If you could change one aspect of your job, what would it be?  

Our industry needs more positive visibility. The community needs to be aware of the essential role that wastewater operation personnel play in environmental protection (It seems like the only time we get attention is when something goes wrong like a sewage spill!)

11. Describe the most fun and exciting experience you have had during your career.  

I have always enjoyed visiting schools and educating young people about water conservation, wastewater reclamation and the environment in general. I especially enjoy introducing students to the microbial world of wastewater reclamation. Looking at beneficial microbes that “treat” wastewater under the microscope seems like its stimulates their interest in science.

12. Describe the most disappointing or frustrating experience you have had during your career.   

The slow pace of increasing the use of recycled water in Maui County has been somewhat frustrating. I have been trying to convince the policy/decision makers to place a higher priority on expanding Maui County’s water reuse program. This elevated priority will require a significant financial commitment so that adequate funding is made available to construct and maintain the infrastructure necessary to produce and distribute the recycled water to areas where it is needed. The costs are significant but the long term benefits are enormous! 

13. What do you like to do on your days off?  

 I like to spend time with my family (including my two dogs), working in my garden, playing softball, going to the beach, hiking etc.

14. What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about pursuing a career similar to yours?   

Look for jobs where the need is. With increasing environmental regulations, there will always be a need for water quality professionals to meet the strict water quality standards set by regulatory agencies. 
15. Can you recommend any particular educational programs/internships, etc. that will help students prepare for a career like yours?    
The University of Hawaii Maui College’s green internship program and water/wastewater operator training program; the California State University at Sacramento Office of Water Program's correspondence courses; and environmental science programs at most universities are educational programs that can help students prepare for a career like mine.

Here are some highlights from Steve’s resume:

• Education: Framingham State College, MA – B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Biology and other environmental sciences

• Regarded as one of the leading proponents of water reuse/efficiency in Hawaii, having forged positive relationships with officials in the regulatory, government and private sectors throughout Hawaii.

• Instructor and Educator – State of Hawaii Wastewater Operator Training Center and UH Maui College; presentations for Hawaii schools

• Projects: County of Maui Environmental Education Program, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Ordinance, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Rate Structure, Hawaii Water Reuse Project Survey, County of Maui Rules for Reclaimed Water Service, Hawaii Water Environment Association (HWEA)  - Water Reuse Public Education Program, West Maui Reclaimed Water Master Plan, HWEA Water Reuse Workshop Series, Report on Hawaii Water Reuse for the Commission on Water Resources Management, Kihei Effluent Reuse System Expansion Study, County of Maui Reclaimed Water Rate Study, West Maui Reuse System Expansion Study, County of Maui Recycled Water Verification Studies.

• Published papers and articles about water recycling, written/submitted testimony on proposed legislation affecting water and biosolids reuse, and written/administered grants. Some examples include:

·      Water Reuse in Hawaii: An Overview

·      Hawaii Water Reuse Public Education Outreach Program

·      How to Sell Reclaimed Water – Setting the Right Price in Hawaii

·      Silence Means Sure Failure – Sincere Outreach Equals Success: Maui County’s Successful Outreach Program

·      The Growth of Water Reuse in Hawaii

·      Maui’s Growing Water Reuse Experience

·      Water Reuse on Maui

·      Lessons Learned from Maui County’s Water Reuse Experience

Maui County Employee of the Year, 1996

Served on boards, committees and working groups: Hawaii Water Environment Association, Maui Water Development Plan, Maui County Watershed Advisory Committee, Maui Water Roundtable

Other volunteer experience: Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Maui, Little League Baseball, Youth Basketball, Youth Soccer