* I support the proposed rules for Wildlife Sanctuaries because they will (1) protect native Hawaiian plants, animals, and cultural sites from high human traffic and irresponsible human activities; (2) add new areas to the Wildlife Sanctuary system that have high wildlife and cultural values; and (3) enhance enforcement of Sanctuary laws and rules by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
* Existing and proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries support some of the most sensitive wildlife habitats in the state, including offshore islets, coastal wetlands, and montane forest ecosystems.
* The proposed rules will help protect Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘ua’u kani (wedge-tailed shearwater) and ‘ou (Bulwer’s petrel) from being killed or injured by people and pet dogs.
* Wildlife Sanctuaries provide important habitat for rare native Hawaiian coastal plants, such as maiapilo — which is very rare on O’ahu — and the endangered ‘ohai. Many coastal sites on the main Hawaiian islands have been destroyed.
* The proposed rules will protect remnant and restorable habitats on offshore islets in existing and proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries.
* As sea level rises, we will lose low-elevation habitats for Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Existing and proposed Wildlife Sanctuaries include high-water habitats that will be necessary for these animals to survive.
* I support the closing of certain Wildlife Sanctuaries to prevent irresponsible human activities, and I support restricting activities in certain Sanctuaries that are harmful to wildlife, habitats, or cultural sites. These Sanctuaries need a rest from the high human traffic and irresponsible activities that occur in these sensitive areas.
* I support a process to allow continued responsible access to Wildlife Sanctuaries for cultural practices, conservation, science, and education. The intent of the proposed rules is not to keep people out of sanctuaries, but to stop irresponsible and harmful uses of the sanctuaries. For example, prior to closing Manana Wildlife Sanctuary, humans would walk over ‘ua’u kani (wedge-tailed shearwaters) nesting burrows and crush seabird chicks.
* I support the addition of certain areas to the Wildlife Sanctuary system, which will protect these sensitive areas, increase habitat for our precious native Hawaiian plants and animals, offer places for Native Hawaiian people to continue their cultural practices in relative peace.
