REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO ADOPT RULES LIFTING THE MORATORIUM ON FISHING IN THE LAPAKAHI MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to lift a fishing moratorium in the Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District, which has restricted fishing since 2016 to restore fish populations and coral health. Recent studies show fish populations and coral have recovered, making the moratorium unnecessary, while the ban has negatively impacted local fishers' livelihoods. The resolution asks the agency to adopt new rules enabling sustainable fishing under community input, balancing economic needs with conservation goals. It does not change existing law but urges the agency to update regulations based on current ecological and community conditions.