Letters 12-16-2012

Aquarium fish laws

Why the opposition?

Why would “eco groups” wanting further ocean protections testify against new aquarium fish laws? They asked for many of these same laws in the state Legislature. Why not support these rules they so desperately tried to get in the past?

They do not want to protect fish, they only want to eliminate fishermen who stand in the way of their ocean-based businesses. They filed a lawsuit against Department of Land and Natural Resources to force it to require EIS studies for the aquarium fish permits. If the fishery is not well managed, then they have more of a case to eliminate the fishery. DLNR researchers have said all along it is a user group conflict.

Ocean law states that “ocean resources are the common heritage of man” and that no single group can lay claim to its resources. The state and DLNR have the job of managing and regulating ocean activities, not to force out or eliminate user groups just because one group does not want them there. It is mandated to study and protect ocean resources for all user groups.

The DLNR and its Division of Aquatic Resources is in charge of managing all ocean activities. It is well within its legal right to require an EIS or EA at its discretion. DLNR continues to enact new regulations almost yearly to regulate fisheries. It is very active in ocean management.

A large staff of well- qualified marine biologists and millions of dollars in fish counts and aquarium fish studies have shown the aquarium fishery is sustainable and does not require further environmental studies. Monthly monitoring of the fishery with fish catch reports also has show no major increase in catch, number of collectors or declines due to overfishing. Just the opposite, fish count studies in West Hawaii show fish populations have increased for yellow tang and kole, the two most collected species for aquariums. These fish count increases are due to DLNR doing its job.

Permits are issued by the DLNR to ocean users, tour group operators and fishermen. By suing the DLNR, all DLNR-issued permits are at risk of EIS requirements. The near-sighteness of some ocean user groups may find out soon they may also be required to do an EIS study to get a permit.

These groups could force DLNR to impose EIS regulations to all hunting, tourist and fishing permits. They are going down a dangerous path, which may cost the state and ultimately you, as a taxpayer, millions in revenue and management. And all not for some real scientific reasons.

It is a shame all groups cannot work together to protect our ocean resources. Some have lost sight of what really matters.

Ron Tubbs

Kona

Hapuna Beach lifeguard

A man of integrity

My wife and I were vacationing on the Big Island this past October. During our stay we visited Hapuna Beach.

We were having a great time there, with the waves knocking us down and me getting a bad sunburn, when all of a sudden my wedding ring slipped off. We were pretty upset since it has a lot of sentimental value — 38 years worth.

My wife then noticed a young man on the beach with what appeared to be a metal detector. We spoke with him and told him about the ring. We found out that we were talking to Jason, a lifeguard at the beach, who often metal detects during his lunch time.

After attempting to locate the ring, with no luck, Jason asked for our number, in case he eventually found it.

We had pretty much given up hope, when, a month and a half later, Jason called and said he found the ring.

We were so surprised and thankful that I would be getting it back.

My wife and I agree, however, that meeting such an honest and caring person such as Jason meant so much to us.

Not everyone has that kind of integrity and moral character to act as he did. Our trip to your island was made that much more memorable by meeting a person such as Jason.

Bob and Betty Caruso

San Francisco Bay Area