Lana’i Fishery Resource Management Area Bill Advances

By Wendy Osher

Lana'i file image, by Wendy Osher.

A bill seeking the designation of a community based fishery resource management area program for the island of Lana’i passed out of the House yesterday. House Bill 850 HD1  is aimed at ensuring that traditional Hawaiian fishing practices are preserved and nurtured.

The bill would create an advisory committee comprised of local members of the community that would be able to address concerns of over-fishing on Lana’i.

“This committee shall incorporate traditional Hawaiian caretaker (konohiki) practices to implement traditional fishery management practices for the regulation of fishing and gathering to promote the sustainable use of marine resources,” said Rep. Mele Carroll of Maui. “It is imperative that we take the necessary measures to cultivate, preserve, and restore our islands’ natural resources and habitats to safeguard their future existence for the generations to come,” said Rep. Carroll.

In 2007, Rep. Carroll authored Act 212, creating a system of best practices based upon indigenous resource management practices, including the use of moku or regional boundaries in the methodology to sustain resources for the community. The Aha Kiole advisory committee, created by Act 212, discovered that traditional natural resources management practices can be compatible with western concepts of resource management if implemented properly.

“It is beneficial for everyone on Lana’i that should this bill become law, Lana’i residents would have the frame work in place to designate Lana’i a community based fishery resource management area where the Aha Ki’ole advisory committee can work collaboratively with the community on this matter,” said Rep. Carroll.