HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

78

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

requesting the department of land and natural resources to study the feasibility of establishing penalties for the capture or destruction of manta rays within the marine waters of the state of hawaii.

 

 

WHEREAS, manta rays are one of the largest but least-known elasmobranches, a subclass of cartilaginous fishes encompassing sharks and rays, whose skeleton is made entirely of cartilage; and

WHEREAS, found circumtropical in all warm sea coastal areas, manta rays are especially prevalent where large amounts of plankton and other microscopic organisms upwell from ocean currents; and

WHEREAS, like its cousin the sting ray, manta rays have a generally triangular body plan with pectoral fins that have evolved into wide triangular wings with which the head has fused, giving the manta ray a broad, blanket-like body, thus earning them the name 'manta', the Spanish name for cloak; and

WHEREAS, a majestic creature with a large wingspan, the manta ray uses its pectoral fins to gracefully propel itself through the water, its agile movements often mesmerizing divers and snorkelers; and

WHEREAS, each year thousands of divers and snorkelers from around the world travel to Hawaii to experience diving with these gentle creatures; and

WHEREAS, with its nutrient rich waters, the Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaii has become a premier manta ray dive site, hosting the especially famous manta ray night dives, where divers can get an up-close view and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat; and

WHEREAS, through their popularity manta rays bring large numbers of divers and tourists to Hawaii, enhancing the tourism industry and contributing to the economy of the entire State; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately, manta rays are sometimes harassed and even captured or killed by overeager divers and other individuals who may not appreciate the beauty and majesty of these "birds of the ocean"; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is requested to study the feasibility of establishing penalties for capturing or killing manta rays within the marine waters of the State of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DLNR submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature at least 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Requesting DLNR to study the feasibility of establishing penalties for the capture or destruction Manta Rays within the marine waters of the State of Hawaii.