News
News & Updates
Governor Signs Laws to Boost Hawaiʻi Ocean Protection
On the 30th anniversary of World Oceans Day on June 8, Governor David Ige signed four protective measures into law, providing further ocean protections across the state. “The Holomua Marine 30×30 Initiative, which we launched at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in 2016, calls for the effective management of Hawaiʻi’s nearshore waters with 30% established as marine management areas around each island by the year 2030. These four new laws, collectively, along with previous measures, certainly bring us much closer to realizing that goal over the next eight years,” Governor Ige said.
Approval of Miloli‘i CBSFA Rules
Customary Hawaiian fishing practices have solidified their legacy and future on Hawaiʻi Island, thanks to the approval of the regulations and management plan for the Miloliʻi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in June.
CBSFAs are unique marine areas established and co-managed by the local community and DAR to protect fishing practices customarily and traditionally exercised for purposes of native Hawaiian subsistence, culture, and religion. The newly approved rules promise to support healthy fisheries for families on the South Kona coast who depend on them. DAR staff worked closely with Kalanihale ʻOhana, the Miloliʻi-based community group, and engaged other local communities and stakeholders to develop this new management plan.
Maui Community Voices Ideas for Kīpahulu Fishing Area
Ninety-nine people across the state shared their insights and suggestions at a public scoping meeting in June for the Kīpahulu Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA), which would span roughly 5.7 miles on the southeast side of Maui. The proposed CBSFA would be co-managed by the Maui-based community group Kīpahulu ‘Ohana and DAR and would establish new bag limits, size limits, seasonal closures and/or gear restrictions for kala, ʻōmilu, moi, kole, ʻopihi, ula, and limu; prohibit take while night diving and scuba spearfishing; and prohibit commercial take of akule. The changes would also establish a sanctuary in Kukui Bay.
Year of the Limu a Win for 2022
The Year of the Limu started in January 2022 with the declaration from Governor Ige to commemorate algae and seaweed that have been central to Hawaiian society for generations. Limu lovers statewide pushed for the recognition, and a leader among them has been Uncle Wally Ito, the former Limu Hui Coordinator for the non-profit Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo (KUA), which is coordinating limu stories and tributes. Many curious people have taken limu walks on Oʻahu with Uncle Wally and learned about its history and use in traditional cuisine and medicine.
