Marine monument expansion
has a nasty hook ADVERTISING Marine monument expansion
has a nasty hook On June 16, Sen. Brian Schatz, sent a letter to President Obama, requesting the president exercise his authority under the Antiquities Act and proclaim an expansion of
Marine monument expansion
has a nasty hook
On June 16, Sen. Brian Schatz, sent a letter to President Obama, requesting the president exercise his authority under the Antiquities Act and proclaim an expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM). The senator states that the best available science indicates that expanding the monument will strengthen an ecosystem that sustains tuna, swordfish, sharks, seabirds, sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals. He goes on to claim that the expansion would directly combat climate change by providing a vigorous carbon sink that lowers the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
To state that expanding the boundaries of the monument would increase the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean in that area is ludicrous. The ocean will absorb the same amount of carbon dioxide whether you have “boundaries” or not. He goes on to state that expanding the monument will strengthen an ecosystem that sustains tuna, etc., serves to point out the fact that the Hawaii longline fishery uses responsible and sustainable practices which have resulted in Honolulu’s recognition as one of the nation’s 10 most productive fishing ports.
Most of the area in the proposed expansion from 50 to 200 nm offshore is about three miles deep. The deepest that fishing occurs in that area is one-quarter of a mile deep in the water column. What would we be protecting and who would we be protecting it from? The primary organisms living in the ooze, at three miles of depth and a pressure of 440 atmospheres, are worms.
Pushing out the Hawaii permitted longline vessels by expanding the monument would force the vessels to face foreign competition, increased operating expenses and a reduced quality of seafood quality due to the longer trips. An expansion of the monument will produce a concentration of vessels fishing in a much smaller area around the main Hawaiian Islands.
Gary Beals
Hilo
Choices = change
After countless hours positioning myself as a serious mayoral candidate, I’m more than annoyed that 10 of 13 legal candidates are being preempted in favor of a tired trio of recognized names. Countywide dissatisfaction with the current administration, still run by an indicted leader, feeds a climate where many feel change is imperative. But how to get that change?
To choose the right person when voting, it’s vital to know what separates this baker’s dozen from one another. But that’s not the result one gets from closed forums with a pre-selected trio discussing just their ideas. This trio includes Mr. Hoffman, who thinks he’s on top of things but is very alone in that belief. Then there’s Mr. Kim, feeling entitled to a “do-over,” especially after losing the 2012 squeaker to his now-indicted protege. Last is Billy’s own No. 2, Mr. Lau, who, if one believes in “manifest destiny” Hawaiian-style, would be a shoo-in to be the next mayor.
But why keep thinking any of these warhorses will win races again?
Never one to mince words, any reason to be totally excluded at the Waimea July 7 forum and by the seven co-sponsors of Hilo’s July 14 forum is inexcusable. Their collective excuse is one of time-constraints! If more time is needed, run it longer!
Learning what’s on offer from all mayoral contenders is vitally important to understanding what our county faces and the diverse ideas that are being put out as solutions. Personally, I did not jump into this political frying pan only to be sidelined in favor of three very tired but familiar names.
Democracy is not served by such limitations nor via this pre-directed spread of information.
Paul “Amaury” Bryant
2016 mayoral candidate, Hawaii County
