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what new criteria will be issued, and the integration of all agencies into the process, 

 especially Hawaiian representation. 



I am elated to see the first step in Proposed Amendments to the Magnuson Fish- 

 ery Conservation and Management Act. The amended Section, Hawaiian Commu- 

 nity Fisheries Act, will provide necessary language to generate the type of coopera- 

 tive efforts and allow more impact for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pa- 

 cific Islanders. It will allow the opportunity they deserve to self-determination, the 

 chance to restore customary rights and practices and most important, a stake in the 

 future of their resources. 



I support incorporating the understanding of traditional resource management 

 concepts in Government agencies. This will also assist in the development of a man- 

 agement plan that is sensitive to tribe or area-specific issues. Including Native Ha- 

 waiians and Hawaiian organizations in the development of resource management 

 strategies is imperative. Also, where applicable and appropriate, I would like to en- 

 vision their input, knowledge, and oversight on the rehabilitation and enhancement 

 of our fishery. 



Hawaii is essentially an oasis over 2,000 miles away from the nearest continental 

 land mass. Based on this, many open ocean species migrate to the island chain to 

 renourish themselves for continued migratory travel or to reproduce offspring in the 

 nutrient-rich environment the Hawaiian archipelago has to offer. The orderly fash- 

 ion of developing strategy should take into account the dependency of the nearshore 

 fishery with offshore productivity. Intertwined with this would be the way we view 

 and protect the nearshore environment by regulating land generated pollution and 

 destruction of productive coastal areas. 



With the existing amount of "redtape" bureaucracy to be faced with coastal and 

 open ocean fisheries, any changes to statutes and laws will also impact State, Coun- 

 ty and even Federal cross jurisdiction. Careful coordination of strategic development 

 will be the key elements. I support the Native Hawaiian involvement in the re- 

 source protection, planning, management and coordination with governmental agen- 

 cies. These are critical to the success of this vision. 



Strategic Intent Plan — 



1. Understanding the fishery issue 



a. Native Hawaiian Rights perspective 



b. Existing status and agency responsibility 



2. Identification of accepted traditional practices and fishery resources 



a. Matrix with applicable high-tech research 



b. Development of "blended application if appropriate 



3. Development of New Laws and Mandates 



a. Institutionalize combined efforts of Federal, State, County, and Hawaiian 

 agencies 



b. Identify existing rules and amendments with regard to traditional prac- 

 tices 



4. Empowerment of Hawaiian communities and organizations 



a. Foster the development of Hawaiian communities and organization to- 

 wards management, conservation, enforcement, and economic enhancement 



b. Identification of organization 



Today, the concerns I see come from Native Hawaiians who have experienced the 

 bounty of the past and want these resources maintained for their future genera- 

 tions. It is a concern that looks at benefits of education, cultural practices, history, 

 economic development, and self-determination, all of which are manifested in this 

 bill. 



Tradition beliefs and practices can be a valuable resource, and can also provide 

 many other positive contributions as a vehicle for economic development, all levels 

 of growth in education, environmental enhancement, social rehabilitation, not to 

 mention a source of food production. 



As lawmakers, you have the power to amend the law and fulfill recommendations 

 identified in the intent of the Magnuson Act. It is imperative that we wait no 

 longer, for to wait, in my opinion, is to lose more of our culture, a vital aspect of 

 our identity. 



In closing, I'd like to say that as a contemporary Hawaiian I have been able to 

 focus my energy and direction by coming back to my traditional roots. As it becomes 

 harder to practice our culture without offending those who are not Hawaiian, I truly 

 believe that Native Hawaiians, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders should be 

 included in the process of determining and ultimately managing their own re- 

 sources. What these indigenous people knew can make positive contributions in 

 achieving the objectives manifested in this legislation, not only for the Native peo- 

 ple, but for all people. Mahalo for this opportunity to testify. 



