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