NOAA seeks public comment on proposed Pacific Remote Islands sanctuary designation
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has begun the process to consider a national marine sanctuary in and around the waters of the Pacific Remote Islands. Public scoping is the first phase in the designation process, during which the public can comment through June 2 on the scope of issues and impacts to be considered for a proposed sanctuary. Comments may be submitted online, by mail, in person or virtually at public scoping meetings.
The proposed area in the central Pacific Ocean includes marine areas within the existing Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, as well as currently unprotected submerged lands and waters, to the full extent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, an area totaling about 770,000 square miles. Terrestrial areas are not included in the proposed sanctuary.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed sanctuary designation through June 2, 2023, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov, by searching for docket number NOAA-NOS-2023-0052. Comments may also be mailed if postmarked by June 2, 2023.
NOAA will host virtual public meetings. NOAA will gather input on boundaries, compatible uses, threats a new sanctuary would address, how best to promote marine science and education initiatives and other topics as described in the Notice of Intent that NOAA published in the Federal Register. The input NOAA receives from the public will assist the agency with the preparation and release of draft designation documents, and in formulating alternatives for the draft environmental impact statement.
A Virtual Public Scoping Meetings will take place on May 31, 9-11 p.m. (HST),Please note that NOAA may be taking audio recordings of the public meetings including the public comment portion of the meetings.
To submit written comments online the Federal eRulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov. Search for “NOAA-NOS-2023-0052”. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.Mailed comments must be postmarked by June 2, 2023. Send comments to:
PRI-Proposed Sanctuary, NOAA/ONMS
c/o Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima
76 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
A detailed description of the proposed sanctuary, based on the nomination submitted by the Pacific Remote Islands Coalition, as well as additional information about opportunities to provide comment, can be found at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/pacific-remote-islands.
OHA Introduces new Mahi’ai agricultural loan
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund program is introducing a new program this month to support Native Hawaiian farmers across the pae ‘aina.
The Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program is another way that OHA is meeting the business needs of Native Hawaiians who are starting a farm or expanding an existing one.
“For nearly 35 years, OHA has provided Native Hawaiians with low-interest loans to start or expand their businesses,” said Aiku’e Kalima, OHA’s Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan manager. “To diversify our loan portfolio and support mahi ‘ai, or farmers, we have earmarked funds specifically for agricultural businesses.”
The program has unique features that keep the needs of mahi ‘ai in mind. In addition to the low-interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest.
“We recognize that it takes time for crops to grow, or livestock to reach a certain stage, before they can generate revenue for farmers, and we’ve taken that into consideration to help ensure our loan recipients are off to a good start,” Kalima said. “These loans will not only help Native Hawaiians build strong businesses working in harmony with the land to support their families and provide jobs for others in the community, but also support food security to help Hawai‘i become more resilient.”
OHA offers agricultural business loans up to seven years at 4% APR for amounts between $2,500 and $100,000 for in-ground or above-ground farming, greenhouse, hydroponic, and other types of farming, including raising livestock. All owners of the business must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Loan applicants must be State of Hawai‘i adult residents and meet stringent criteria, including having a credit score of 600 or higher and their debt-to-income ratio must be no more than 45%. The business must also be registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and be in good standing. For more information on the Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program, visit https://loans.oha.org/mahiai-agricultural-loan/, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org or call the OHA office at (808) 594-1835.