Today, Senator Laura Thielen (25th Senatorial District) and Representative Cindy Evans (7th House District) announced the launch of the Outdoor Heritage Caucus. The caucus's mission is to identify, protect, and promote the State of Hawai‘i's heritage of subsistence hunting and fishing, outdoor cultural practices and recreational activities, and to foster appreciation and respect for outdoor heritage.
The caucus will focus on: (1) ensuring public access to public lands for the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits; (2) safeguarding the integrity of user-pays trust funds, license revenues, and other dedicated financial contributions by hunter men and women, fishermen and women, and outdoor recreational users; and (3) enhancing state aquatic and wildlife habitat conservation for current and future generations. Legislators in this caucus will watch national debate on issues related to outdoor cultural practices, recreational activities, and hunting and fishing.
"We are pleased to announce the formation of the Outdoor Heritage Caucus," Evans stated. "With population growth and challenges of liability, many people are looking at our natural resources from different aspects. We need to find balance to make sure that we can use the outdoors but still maintain protection of our natural resources so we can pass on our practices. The group of legislators in this caucus would like to send a strong statement that we value the quality of life in Hawai‘i and perpetuate the joys and opportunities outdoors for future generations."
"The Outdoor Heritage Caucus is a great way to showcase and advocate for outdoor recreation in Hawai‘i," said Thielen. As more and more residents and tourists explore our state's varied outdoor recreational opportunities, it is important to ensure that there is adequate support and funding for these opportunities."
No comments:
Post a Comment