HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

119

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING A REPORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO STOP THE DECLINE AND REPLENISH THE SUPPLY OF LIMU AND REEF FISH IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE EWA COAST OF OAHU.

 

 


                WHEREAS, limu and fish 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 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 the destruction of Hawaii's coral reefs; 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 provide a report of recommendations on what actions need to be taken to stop the decline and replenish the supply of limu and reef fish from the easternmost point of Puuloa to Barber's Point; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to submit a report of its 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 a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title: 

Limu; Reef Fish; Ewa Coast