Moʻomomi North Coast of Molokaʻi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area Proposal
Key species in the north coast of Moloka`i such as moi, uhu, and kole are declining, while kūmū and ula (lobster) populations have nearly disappeared.
In 1994, the Moloka`i Subsistence Task Force report showed that Moloka`i relies heavily on subsistence fishing and gathering. Resource health and abundance are critical to allow Moloka`i’s subsistence practices to thrive.
On behalf of the Ho`olehua Hawaiian Homesteaders, the Hui Mālama O Mo`omomi (HMM) has proposed regulatory solutions that reflect the knowledge of past and present lawai`a by designating the north coast of Moloka`i, from Kalaeoka`īlio to Kaholaiki, as a Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA).
These proposed rules came out of the community and are supported by the community. DNLR is serving this community led effort with attentive fashion. These rules wouldn’t stop the community from continuing to fish in the area for subsistence; instead it ensures the subsistence area will not be used for commercial purposes.
Meetings were taken place before the start of the Chapter 91 rule making process The format of this meetings were as follows:
-Informational presentations;
-Followed by a panel with an opportunity for questions;
-sharing of mana‘o, feedback, and provide clarifications specific to the proposed rules in small groups; and
-Concluded with a large group share back of everyone’s mana‘o.
Moloka‘i residents express gratitude to Maui County residents who helped Molokai protect our North Shore fisheries by participating in these important scoping meetings. Worthy of mentioning is the attendance of Moloka‘i residents who had relocated to Maui and the special support therein. DLNR is receptive to the plans thus far and the Chapter 91 rule making process will begin. It is expressed and hopeful that these meetings will happen on Moloka‘i so that the sensibility of place based input is readily available.
Informational documents on Moʻomomi North Coast of Molokaʻi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area Proposal
Video footage of Part One, Moʻomomi North Coast of Molokaʻi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area Proposal here:
You must be logged in to post a comment.