MEDIA RELEASE

The state Board of Land and Natural Resource has approved rule changes for Puako Bay and Puako Reef, Keauhou Bay and West Hawaii Fisheries Management Area.

Board decisions taken:

1) Amend HAR Title 13 Chapter 54 Puako Bay and Puako Reef and Chapter 57 Keauhou Bay – 5 ayes, 1 nay — APPROVED AS SUBMITTED

2) Repeal HAR Title 13 Chapter 60.3 West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area. 4 ayes, 2 nays – APPROVED AS SUBMITTED

3) Adopt new chapter HAR Title 13 Chapter 60.4 West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area – 4 ayes, 2 nays APPROVED AS SUBMITTED

4) Amend HAR Title 13 Chapter 75 Rules regulating the possession and use of certain gear – 5 ayes, 1 nay APPROVED AS SUBMITTED

Rules will now to to the state attorney general for final review, then to the Governor for signature. They then go to the Lt. Governor’s office for filing and will take effect 10 days after filing.

DLNR Chairman William Aila said, “This has been a long process which has involved many community members. We thank everyone who testified today and shared their opinions and positions. I was disappointed with the outcome because I believe we need more scientific data before taking a step that will affect fishers’ lives, increase fishing pressure in nearshore waters, and which may have unintended consequences.”