Virtually Zero Conservation on the North Shore

Conservation to thinking people means protection and preservation. In Hawaii however , we have a slightly different concept. At Shark’s Cove for instance we have what is known as the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). This tiny “Conservation District” allows for spearfishing, pole & line fishing, and even netting! In other words, from the thinking persons perspective, our North Shore Conservation District is an embarrassment. And while the bureaucrats congratulate each other for their public service, Hawaii’s natural resources continue to dwindle.

“Our primary mission is to safeguard and manage the natural and cultural resources that are so critical to our quality of life here in Hawaii.”
Gilbert Coloma-Agaran, Chairperson - Board of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

The reality is that less than 1% of Oahu’s coastline is protected. It is an insult to the collective intelligence of Hawaii’s citizens to debate whether this is adequate. We must make changes now if we are sincere in our effort to protect our children's future in Hawaii. Despite the undeniable truth in this need to change, the DLNR is prepared to “scale back” a
community driven proposal to expand the Pupukea MLCD (which would include Waimea Bay). DLNR’s excuse for continuing to exhibit total incompetence in their charge to; “safeguard and manage the natural and cultural resources that are so critical to our quality of life here in Hawaii”, relies all to easily on a vocal minority who oppose any conservation that interferes with their desire for 100% access to resources. Public Hearings are scheduled for 6pm October 4th, 2001 at Sunset Beach Elementary Scholl will provide DLNR the opportunity to duplicate their capitulation to minority interests that created the embarrassment that is the Pupukea MLCD today. We who are serious about breaking this cycle of incompetence intend to force DLNR to do its job. If we are successful, the North Shore will have its first true Marine Sanctuary, and our children will thank us.

What You Can Do To Help Save Shark's Cove

Update

Turtle Rescue #41 "Pupukea”
September 23rd, 2001
Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (Three Tables), North Shore Oahu
In the aftermath of the terrorism that permeates virtually all thinking souls I must say that I have found great solace in the knowledge that saving life is still the greatest virtue of humanity. Since September 11th Deep Ecology has saved three lives. Granted they are not human, but somehow I know this matters not to the lives we saved. Today Captain\Divemaster Juan Oliphant undoubtedly saved the life of yet another North Shore Sea Turtle. Pupukea (named after the conservation district he was rescued in) was wrapped tightly with fishing line around both front fins and neck which was also ingested down his throat. Flat out, he was going to die if it were not for our efforts. Because we found him early, not only will he not die but he will live on with no injury whatsoever. This is the best kind of rescue of all. And even though some might think this does not matter in comparison to the life lost in recent times, it makes all the difference in the world to Pupukea. Furthermore it represents the most noble attribute of this thing we call "humanity", saving life. It is also worth mentioning that one participant in this rescue is of Persian descent. Thank you Said for your contribution. This rescue just eleven days before the PUBLIC HEARINGS that will decide the fate of Shark's Cove and Three Tables is to me a clear sign that our resolve to see this effort for conservation through, is Deep Ecology's top priority. So much life is counting on us succeeding in this endeavor, we simply cannot fail them.

What You Can Do - If You Act Right Now

Provide written and\or oral testimony at the Public Hearings on October 4th or send us your testimony and we will enter it for the record. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A RESIDENT OF HAWAII TO DO THIS!
Write, fax, email, or call Senator Robert Bunda. Ph. 586-6090 FAX 586-6091 email senbunda@capitol.hawaii.gov
Write, fax, email or call Chairperson Gilbert Coloma-Agaran. Ph. 587-0400 Fax 587-0390 email gil_s_agaran@exec.state.hi.us
Form Letters Follow

Gilbert Coloma-Agaran
DLNR Room #130
1151 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

Dear Chairperson Agaran:
It has come to my attention that the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (Shark’s Cove) may be undergoing rule changes that would eliminate the virtually non-existent conservation measures currently in place. As you are probably aware the democratically elected task force that proposed these changes met over a period of nearly one year. All of these meetings were publicized and open to the public. I sincerely hope that the Department of Land and Natural Resources will not “scale back” the task force plan to expand the boundaries and eliminate spearing and netting. Even the Hawaiian Delegates to the task force supported the rule changes. It is my hope that you will remain true to your words;
“Our primary mission is to safeguard and manage the natural and cultural resources that are so critical to our quality of life here in Hawaii.”
Gilbert Coloma-Agaran, Chairperson - Board of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Taken from the DLNR web-site.

If the Chairperson is sincere in this statement then surely you will not bow to a vocal minority who seem intent on thwarting any effort to conserve Hawaii’s resources. I ask you to remain steadfast in your commitment to safeguard and manage the natural and cultural resources of Hawaii. It is undeniable that most people wish to have more than the current 1% of Oahu’s coastline protected. If DLNR is to have any chance of fulfilling its mission, Pupukea must be protected. I thank you in advance for your strength in this matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Robert Bunda
State Capitol Room #003
415 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

Dear Senator Bunda:
It has come to my attention that the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (Shark’s Cove) may be undergoing rule changes that would eliminate the virtually non-existent conservation measures currently in place. I would like to praise you for your leadership in helping to make this happen. I sincerely hope that the Department of Land and Natural Resources will not “scale back” the task force plan to expand the boundaries and eliminate spearing and netting. Even the Hawaiian Delegates to the task force supported the rules changes. It is my hope that you will bring pressure to bear on DLNR;
“Our primary mission is to safeguard and manage the natural and cultural resources that are so critical to our quality of life here in Hawaii.”
Gilbert Coloma-Agaran, Chairperson - Board of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

If the Chairperson is sincere in this statement then surely he will not bow to a vocal minority who seem intent on thwarting any effort to conserve Hawaii’s resources. I ask you to remain steadfast in your commitment to represent the interests of the majority of your constituents. It is undeniable that most people wish to have more than the current 1% of Oahu’s coastline protected. I thank you in advance for your strength in this matter.

Sincerely,

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