[MantaReport] House and Senate Resolution Urges Department of Land and Natural Resources Adopt Rules To Manage Manta Sites

[Keller Laros]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H C. R. NC). 170 TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE,
2014 . H.D. 1

HOUSE CONCURRENT 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, the
Senate concurring, 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

H~CR17O HD1 ENS 2014—3072

H~CR17O HD1 H1’IS 2014-3072