The bill is expected to enhance awareness around limu's role in both ecological health and cultural practices, particularly among Indigenous Hawaiian communities. The act aims to recover and share the cultural knowledge related to limu, which has diminished over generations. As a result, designating Limu Kala as the state limu could foster efforts to protect and support marine ecosystems, improve nearshore fisheries, and promote local traditions involving limu.
Summary
SB1037 proposes the designation of Limu Kala (Sargassum echinocarpum) as the official limu of Hawaii. The bill highlights the ecological importance of limu, noting that four endemic species thrive in Hawaii's waters. Limu is emphasized as a critical element of the nearshore marine food chain, serving as a primary producer and vital habitat for various marine creatures. The decline of limu has been linked to decreased fish populations, which further supports the need for recognition and preservation of this resource.
Contention
While the bill has positive implications for cultural recognition and ecological restoration, it may also face challenges regarding the allocation of resources for education and enforcement of limu protection. Discussions around SB1037 could bring forth debates about the necessary steps for managing and conserving limu ecosystems effectively, especially amidst ongoing environmental changes that threaten their existence.
Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Develop Programs To Recapture, Retain, And Share The Cultural And Environmental Knowledge Of Limu Kala.
Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Develop Programs To Recapture, Retain, And Share The Cultural And Environmental Knowledge Of Limu Kala.
Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Develop Programs To Recapture, Retain, And Share The Cultural And Environmental Knowledge Of Limu Kala.
Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Develop Programs To Recapture, Retain, And Share The Cultural And Environmental Knowledge Of Limu Kala.
Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.
Reaffirming The State's Obligation To Uphold The Constitutional Rights Of Its People By Recognizing The Critical Role Of Freshwater In Maintaining Healthy Nearshore Marine Ecosystems.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Policies For Substantially Increasing Those Populations Within A Decade.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration And Other Experts To Conduct A Study On The Population Status Of Depleted Coral Reef Herbivores Around The Island Of Oahu And Develop Effective Alternative Policies For Substantially Replenishing Those Populations Within A Decade.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.