HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
119 |
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
requesting a study of limu and reef fish Decline in certain areas of the ewa coast of oahu.
WHEREAS, limu and fishes in Hawaii's coral reefs are of tremendous economic, cultural, and ecological value; and
WHEREAS, limu is a significant cornerstone of Native Hawaiian culture, used by Native Hawaiians in conflict resolution ceremonies and in their traditional medicinal practices; and
WHEREAS, these plants of the sea are food for fish and key indicators of environmental health and activity; and
WHEREAS, limu played an important part in the ancient Native Hawaiian diet, and today, limu has many culinary applications enjoyed by Native Hawaiians and many others; and
WHEREAS, once abundant, there has been a steep decline of limu along the Ewa Coast of Oahu; and
WHEREAS, the Ewa Coast of Oahu is also experiencing a markedly steep decline in reef fish; and
WHEREAS, over-picking and over-fishing, improper harvesting, climate change, urban development, stream flow diversion, and invasive species are among the factors that can cause declines in the supply of limu and reef fish, and ultimately destruction of Hawaii's coral reefs; and
WHEREAS, the causes of such declines must be determined in order to enable the development of workable strategies to preserve these valuable natural resources; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2015, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to:
(1) Study the causes of the decline of limu and reef fish for the area of the Ewa Coast of Oahu that stretches from the easternmost point of Pu‘uloa to Barber's Point; and
(2) Based on its findings, develop recommendations on what actions need to be taken to stop the decline and replenish the limu and reef fish supply; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2016; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
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OFFERED BY: |
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Limu; Reef Fish; Ewa Coast