Safety Tips of the Day and More by KonaCPR, Providing Quality CPR Classes in Hawaii: Recent Comments

Comment on Eagle Ray

Doug Perrine — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:20:31 GMT

Reed/ Carolyn -

My e-mail with photo was sent out at noon on Sept. 30 to a wide distribution list that included Rep. Cindy Evans, West Hawaii Fisheries Council Chair Glennon Gingo, and several other members of the council, as well as Rep. Green and Dr. Walsh, whose responses I have forwarded (I have received no other responses from officials). I've also forwarded a copy of a Feb. 07 message to Dr. Tim Clark at U. Hawaii, listing both eagle rays and manta rays as among my suggested candidates for the DLNR's species of special concern list. This is a list that the DLNR proposed to protect by administrative rule, as their alternative to the manta protection bill, which died without their support. DLNR has since had a change of directors, and I have heard no indication that the new director is supporting the promulgation of such a list, although I have no inside knowledge of what goes on in the DLNR. My feeling is that it is not likely to happen any time soon, and may be delayed by public hearings, by concerns from the aquarium fish collecting industry over ornamental fish included on the proposed list (still under formulation), or numerous other factors. In the meantime, all it will take is one guy with a net or a couple of kids with spears to wipe out the pride & joy of Kona's diving community, and the economic backbone of its recreational diving industry. Incidentally, a representative from DLNR/DAR made a presentation at the last meeting of the WHFC concerning the proposed list, but limited the discussion to ornamental fishes of interest to the aquarium fish collecting industry. It all seemed very tentative and exploratory.
The initial legislation and petition to protect rays was sponsored by the Manta Pacific Research Foundation (www.mantapacific.org)
Its officers should be able to provide you with a complete history of the manta protection effort in Hawaii. To the best of my recollection it was 4 to 5 years ago when I added my name to their petition.

Doug

Comment on Eagle Ray

Carolyn Lucas — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:25:02 GMT

Aloha Doug and Matthew:

Today, my editor, Reed Flickinger, has received several e-mails and phone calls from those in the dive industry upset about the speared spotted eagle ray. He said I can only write an article on one condition — that the people, who are upset, are actually doing something about it. Contacting the newspaper is not enough. He wants proof that officials at DLNR and NOAA have been contacted, as well as state representatives and council members. This would include a list of names, times and responses. Also, are you doing a petition to stop hunting, spearing or fishing of eagle rays and manta rays? Are you planning to ask the West Hawaii Fisheries Council, the state or federal government to protect these marine animals? What actions are you taking? When you have a plan or an update, please contact me. I hope this e-mail helps.

Take care,
Carolyn Lucas
Reporter
West Hawaii Today

Comment on Eagle Ray

Capt. JJ Mendenhall — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:40:47 GMT

Dear Mr. Flickinger

My name is Jim Mendenhall and I am a coast guard licensed boat captain and scuba instructor working in the tourist industry on the Kona side of the island. I am contacting you regarding the shameful waste of the islands aquatic resources. You have no doubt seen the photo of the dead eagle ray with the protruding spear. As sad as this one incident is I believe it is symptomatic of an overall lack of management of Hawaii’s marine environment. When I first came to dive the Hawaiian Islands in the early 70s the Kona reefs were rich with fish and invertebrates but today the large schools of yellow tang are gone and lobsters are scarce. Many of the more exotic species are very rare or missing altogether having found their way to overseas aquarium shops through the years.

We depend on government agencies to look after our resources and manage the environment by drawing a balance between conservation and sustainable use. Unfortunately there has been little in the way of leadership and only some minor reactionary steps taken in regard to managing our aquatic resources. The same old story of the world’s fisheries too little, too late could play out here in Hawaii as well. One global pattern that could affect us is the shifting of target species. As the more desirable fish stocks were depleted fishermen resorted to hunting sharks, which were largely unregulated. Today, the world’s shark populations are rapidly declining and the famous Kona mantas could be next as there is currently no protection for them. The lack of government action doesn’t make sense at any level. When approached the attitude is there is no problem today so we will wait until there is a problem. We have less than 200 mantas, Kona side, and if manta burgers become popular they would be wiped out long before our lethargic government could pass any form of legislation to save them. Clearly the mantas swimming represent jobs, tax revenue and a signature tourist attraction worthy of protection. Where is our government where is the DLNR?

Mahalo Capt. JJ Mendenhall

Comment on Eagle Ray

Dennis McCrea — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:39:40 GMT

Aloha Mr. Flickinger,
I believe the public needs to be educated about the abuse of our ocean resources. Too many Hawaiians and Kamaaina talk big about protecting the 'aina, but are usually the biggest contributors to the depletion and misuse of our oceans. Some people feel it is "their right" to take or kill whatever is in the ocean, others just need to be better informed about how to protect our oceans for future generations.

The educational process can only be accomplished if we have businesses and individuals willing to promote public awareness about the abuses as well as the "good things" that are being done. I believe West Hawaii Today has a moral obligation to "run this story".

Maybe you should consider a weekly column about ocean protection and marine life interaction . I am sure with all the dive operators, Manta Pacific Org, Kona Underwater Photographers, Reefwatechers, and Division of Aquatic Resources, it would be easy to have a list of editorial contributors that would be willing to provide you articles that will help educate the public. West Hawaii Today should promote conservation and ocean awareness. Fishing, Surfing, and Kahaluu beach park should not be the publics only perception of what Kona's oceans are about!

Dennis McCrea
Underwater Adventures Hawaii
808-328-7388

Comment on How I Saved a Life

Kara Osada — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:41:29 GMT

It can feel wonderful offering help, even what it was a small thing.

I was driving to work one night when a car flipped in front of me several times. A few cars stopped, including me. I quickly graved my first aid kit and ran over to the seen. One of the passages had gotten out - he had a broken jaw and was very out of it. Another women and myself sat talking with him trying to calm him and placing bandages on his wounds.

It was not long before EMS arrived and took over the seen. I don't know how much I helped, but it made me feel good to know I did something. This was only a few days before Christmas, thinking about the fact I was a step in making sure this man got to his family he was so worried about made my Christmas.