I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope: OHA applauds Haena CBSFA law

HONOLULU – Governor David Ige has signed into law, the first ever Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA) for Haena, Kauai. The Haena CBSFA is the result of more than a decade of work, overwhelming support from the local community and strong recognition that government cannot do it alone and community-based management and buy-in is critical to sustaining natural resources now and for future generations.This historic rules package gives the Haena hui an opportunity to protect its ocean resources, based on traditional fisheries management practices.

OHA Ka Pouhana Kamana‘opono Crabbe said, “With the signing of these rules, the Governor and the state have affirmed that Native Hawaiian traditional and customary fishery practices are not only relevant and deserving of protection, but may be necessary to ensure the sustainability of our near-shore resources. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs applauds the Governor’s decision to support this historic community-based initiative and encourages the state to continue working with subsistence communities seeking better and more culturally appropriate management of their local waters.”