Hawaii Senate Bill SCR165

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Rules Lifting The Moratorium On Fishing In The Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

Impact

The resolution underscores a shift in focus toward community livelihoods, highlighting that the existing moratorium has adversely affected local fishers and communities that rely on these waters for their income. By lifting the moratorium, it aims to address economic needs while ensuring that fishing activities are managed sustainably. The proposal also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the local community and the DLNR in managing the conservation district, thus fostering local involvement in resource management.

Summary

SCR165 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to adopt rules to lift the moratorium on fishing in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District. The original moratorium was established by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to restore populations of overfished species, support the ecological balance, and preserve the region's cultural significance. Studies indicate that since the moratorium's implementation, fish populations and coral health have improved significantly, suggesting that the moratorium has met its ecological goals.

Contention

While the bill aims to balance ecological restoration with community needs, it may generate discussions regarding the sufficiency and effectiveness of sustainable management practices. Questions about the exact regulations that will accompany the lifting of the moratorium could lead to debates around the adequacy of protections for marine life in light of potential increases in fishing activity. Thus, the resolution represents both an acknowledgment of ecological recovery and a responsive action to local economic pressures.