[MantaReport] Submit Testimony of HCR 170 and HR 129 relating to Manta Rays

[Keller Laros]

HCR170 relating to Manta Rays will be heard in the Senate Water and
Land Committee Tuesday, April 15 at 8:30 AM.

I encourage you to submit testimony, whether it is late or not doesn't
matter too much so if you have the chance to submit any it would be
very helpful in moving the resolution along.  Testimony can be sent in
via email toWTLtestimony at capitol.hawaii.gov

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Keller Laros
Founder
Manta Pacific Research Foundation

Below is the House version that is now being herd in the Senate as HCR 170

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.129

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII












HOUSE RESOLUTION





URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ADOPT RULES TO
MANAGE MANTA RAY DIVE SITES.








     WHEREAS, the manta ray night dive is a popular activity in West
Hawaii, and visitors visit Hawaii Island for the purpose of
participating in this activity; and



     WHEREAS, these dives occur at specific locations where manta rays
are known to frequent; and



     WHEREAS, the popularity of this activity has grown over the years
and now there are many boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards,
swimmers, divers, snorkelers, and other recreational and commercial
users present at these sites at the same time creating a potentially
dangerous situation; and



     WHEREAS, if an accident occurred, it would be not only tragic,
but harmful to the diving industry, and a potential liability to the
State; and



     WHEREAS, ensuring the safety of workers, visitors, and manta
rays, and ensuring a good visitor experience is in the best interest
of all; now, therefore,



     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the
Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of
2014, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to
adopt rules to better manage specific manta ray dive sites to ensure
that safety and order is maintained; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution
be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural
Resources.